THE GOLDCREST 
REGULUS CRISTATUS 
Loca names in surrounding counties : 
Status IN British AvirAunA: A widely distributed 
and common resident in all wooded districts, its numbers 
largely increased in autumn by migrants. 
RapiaAL DistRIBUTION WITHIN FIFTEEN MILES OF ST. 
Paut’s: Although the Goldcrest is an irregular and fitful 
visitor to many places within strictly urban limits it does 
not appear to nest anywhere very near to the great city. 
I have seen it during autumn and winter well within a 
seven-mile radius, but know of no probable breeding-places 
nearer than Sydenham, Croydon, and the Wimbledon 
and Richmond districts in the south, Uxbridge, Harrow, 
Pinner, Wembley, and Epping in the west and north, and 
the eran Craysin the south-east. All observers testify 
to its most common occurrence during autumn and winter, 
and merely to specify the localities where it may probably 
be met with would be to compile a list of almost every 
wooded spot within the Metropolitan area from St. 
James’s Park and Regent’s Park outwards. One of its 
favourite resorts is Wembley, so far as my experience goes, 
and I cannot help thinking that it may nest in the many 
suitable spots in the park there. After all, the bird 
could easily be overlooked not only here, but in many 
other places within the fifteen-mile radius, its secretive 
and silent habits during the nesting season being very 
conducive to its non-discovery. 
Although popularly regarded as ‘‘ Wrens,” the Gold- 
crests have only a remote affinity with those birds, their 
plumed nostrils and very conspicuous crest being two of 
their principal characteristics. ‘The British Goldcrest is 
the smallest European bird, and there are many facts in 
its life-history of great interest. Not the least wonderful 
Q2 
