THE GOLD-CRESTED KINGLET. 



THE little Gold Crest is a notable bird, inasmuch 

 as he is the smallest feathered creature found in 

 Britain. His small size in no way diminishes his beauty, 

 and he boasts a crest brighter than any other British 

 songster, save indeed his near relation the Fire Crest. 

 He frequents the fir woods and plantations, also the 

 birch coppices and shubberies, and, though seemingly 

 frail and delicate, braves all the rigours of our northern 

 winter with apparent comfort. 



The Gold Crest being such a small and frail little 

 creature, we should suppose would delay its nesting 

 duties until the middle of summer ; but this is not so. 

 I am convinced that birds rear their young at times when 

 the food which brings them to maturity occurs in greatest 

 abundance. The food of the Gold Crest consists for the 



