THE GOLDCREST 
of these are its annual migrations. Many individuals of 
this species are apparently resident in our country, but 
in autumn these numbers are increased by vast hosts of 
Goldcrests from Continental Europe, and there can be 
little doubt that most of the birds seen in London are 
partof them. ‘That the Metropolis is in the direct path 
of many migrating Goldcrests seems proved by the 
frequency of their occurrence during the season of migra- 
tion ; and it may be recalled with interest that an example 
was once found in the Great Wheel which used to stand 
in the Exhibition grounds at Earl’s Court. I have seen 
this species myself in the trees in the gardens there. ‘The 
Goldcrest is very ‘Tit-like in its habits, not so much 
because of its affinity with those birds, but because it lives 
on similar food and searches for it in the same way and 
in the same places. It is by no means a shy bird, but its 
restlessness seldom allows one to observe it for long 
in the same spot. ‘Tit-like, it explores the branches 
of the trees and clings to the slender twigs, searching 
the lower bushes, hidden in their tangled recesses, 
or for a fleeting moment appearing in view on the 
outer sprays; then flitting to the trees one after the 
other in a twittering, straggling train, uttering a singularly 
low and piercing call-note, pitched so high as to be abso- 
lutely inaudible to many ears. During summer the bird 
lives in pairs, but in autumn and winter consorts in parties, 
and very frequently accompanies ‘Titmice in their wan- 
derings. It subsists on insects, larve, and tiny seeds, 
those of the birch and alder being eagerly sought. It 
breeds in April or May, usually selecting a fir of some 
kind or a yew, from a branch of whichsit suspends ham- 
mock-wise its beautiful little, almost globular nest, the 
surrounding foliage being deftly interwoven with the 
materials. ‘This is made of moss and lichens, bound 
together with cobwebs, and plentifully lined with hair 
and feathers. ‘The six or eight eggs are pale reddish white, 
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