/ 



THE GOLDEN-CRESTED WREN. 



Sylvia reyidiis. 

 Motacilla „ 

 CristatHs ,, 



^^ IT T S is the smallest of Euro- 

 pean bh-ds. It is but '3| 

 inclies in length, but is excep- 

 tionally pretty. Whilst the 

 birds are in flig-ht or in pur- 

 suit of food it is difficult to 

 determine the sexes, as at such 

 times the distinguishing' crest 

 is partially closed over by the 

 black feathers on either side; 

 but if influenced by pleasure or 

 other excitement, the crest is ex- 

 ])anded, covering the whole of 

 the head, and upon iDspection, 

 it will be found that the male 

 lias a broad orange (the female, 

 lemon) streak from the forehead 

 over the crown of the head. The 

 w hole of the upper part of the body 

 i<=! olive-green, but lighter towards 

 the tail-coverts ; the under part 

 is greyish-white, shaded — especially on 

 the cheeks, throat, breast, and flanks 



