THE GOLDCREST 



REGULUS CRISTATUS 



LOCAL names in surrounding counties : 



STATUS IN BRITISH AVIFAUNA : A widely distributed 

 and common resident in all wooded districts, its numbers 

 largely increased in autumn by migrants. 



RADIAL DISTRIBUTION WITHIN FIFTEEN MILES OF ST. 

 PAUL'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 Kentish Grays in 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 

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