456 BRITISH BIRDS. 



the head, causing it to shine with metallic splendour like burnished gold. 

 Now they hop from branch to branch ; then, fluttering in the air, they catch 

 a passing insect, and with feeble though piercing notes pass on to the next 

 bush ; for they seem to prefer the lower branches and bushes to the tops of 

 the trees, though if repeatedly disturbed they take refuge in the tallest trees. 

 Now they hang suspended from a long slender twig, their weight causing it 

 to swing to and fro with graceful motion ; and then on fluttering pinion 

 they hover above some tempting seed-case or bud which promises to reward 

 their search. Then they drop silently into the heather and explore its wiry 

 branches in search of seeds and insects, or chase each other in sportive glee, 

 darting like animated meteors through the branches. Now they alight in 

 the gorse bushes, and hop from spray to spray, their lovely crests appearing 

 like the golden blooms. As the males, conspicuous by their brighter 

 crests, course over the twigs, they sometimes, autumn though it be, burst 

 out into song, and litter a few notes of matchless melody." 



The food of the Goldcrest consists of the insects found amongst buds, 

 twigs, and leaves, and also those flying through the air, which it sometimes 

 catches like a Flycatcher. Small seeds are also eaten, notably those of 

 the birch and heather, also various small berries. 



The migration of the Goldcrest is one of the most interesting portions 

 of its history. How such a tiny little creature can sustain such long flights 

 is wonderful. In Scotland the Goldcrest, Mr. Gray remarks, does not 

 return by the same route in spring as it pursues in autumn; and this 

 observant naturalist informs us that the birds make their appearance sud- 

 denly in April on their return journey. In Norfolk Mr. Stevenson has 

 much to tell us of the annual wanderings of this charming little bird ; and 

 in his work on the birds of that county will be found several most inter- 

 esting accounts of its migration. Even in many of our inland districts the 

 migrations of the Goldcrest may be studied. Near Sheffield every autumn 

 the resident birds are largely increased in numbers. Their line of migration 

 is directly through some large birch copses in the Rivelin valley, about five 

 miles to the west of the town ; and it is worthy of remark that the same 

 locality appears to be a favourite line of route with the Song-Thrush. The 

 Goldcrests arrive there during October, in company with Tits of various 

 species, especially the Coal Tit; and for about a week they literally swarm, 

 the trees being alive with birds, and their peculiar notes fill the woods with 

 a delicate melody. Few of these birds remain to winter in this locality ; 

 and in a week or so from the time of their arrival you may search every 

 part of the woods without meeting with a trace of them. Mr. Cordeaux 

 states that these little birds are so well known as migrants on the east coast 

 of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire as to gain for themselves the name of 

 " Woodcock-pilots." Every year they appear in flocks at Flamborough 

 and Spurn, and are sometimes killed by flying against the lighthouses, 



