SONG-BIRDS. Kinglets 



passing southward in rigorous seasons, for a time in January 

 and February, but returning very early in March en route 

 to its northern breeding-grounds. 



It has a decided preference for evergreens and searches 

 tirelessly by the hour for insects in the rough bark, but it 

 is so very small and restless that it may easily escape notice. 

 My first discovery of the bird in the garden was in Decem- 

 ber, while looking in the spruces for the source of what I 

 supposed to be the wiry note of some belated insect. A 

 gleam of sunlight shooting through the branches, touched 

 the naming crown of the Kinglet, who was quite close and 

 eyeing me inquisitively. 



The bird has been known to breed in Worcester County, 

 Mass., and the nest is described by Mr. Brewster, who says 

 that in one nest the outer walls were made of soft green 

 mosses and lichens ; near the top were feathers of the Ruffed 

 Grouse, Hermit Thrush, and Ovenbird, ranged quills down 

 so that they made a tent-like protection for the eggs. In 

 the two nests which contained eggs, they were so numerous 

 as to be piled in two layers, one above the other. 



It would be interesting to know how the tiny birds man- 

 age to hatch such a quantity of eggs : whether they are turned 

 and stirred up daily in order to bring all equally to the 

 warmth of the body, or if perhaps the top row hatches first 

 and the young birds, by their warmth, aid in bringing out 

 their brothers and sisters. 



Ruby-crowned Kinglet: Regulus calendula. 



Length: 4-4.50 inches. 



Male: Vermilion spot on crown (which, however, does not always 

 appear until the second year). Ash-gray head, back olive-gray, 

 yellowish on tail. Wings brownish olive with yellow and white 

 edgings. Breast and under parts yellowish gray. Edges of 

 eyelids white. Bill black, feet dark brown. 



Female : Lacking the red head spot. 



Song: A thin, metallic call note, like a vibrating wire. Song full, 

 varied, and melodious ; often heard here in the spring migration, 



Season : In the migrations April and November. 



Breeds : Mostly north of the United States. 



