SOME BIRDS OF THE WINTER. 311 



tips of the secondaries are replaced by red spots 

 on the feathers. 



In its restless habits the Waxwing very closely 

 resembles the Titmice ; it is also just as gre- 

 garious, and wanders up and down the country in 

 parties and flocks. During their erratic visits to 

 us, these birds seem specially fond of the hips of 

 the wild rose, elder-berries, and the fruit of the 

 service tree. I once followed a party of these 

 charming birds for a considerable distance through 

 the fields and spinneys. The snow lay thickly on 

 the ground, and very handsome they looked, in 

 contrast with the brilliant white wreath that 

 decked the trees. From thicket to thicket, 

 and from tree to tree, they flew in irregular 

 order, climbing about the branches like Tits or 

 Nuthatches, and turning and twisting into many 

 different attitudes. They were remarkably tame 

 and confiding, apparently not having then learned 

 the lesson of wariness which relentless persecution 

 soon teaches most of our distinguished feathered 

 strangers. I often wonder how many of these 

 various interesting visitors ever get back home 

 again, or even survive the first few days of their 

 stay ! I have also remarked that the Waxwing is 

 much more wary when alone than when in com- 

 pany with others of its kindred. The flight of 

 this beautiful bird is rapid and well sustained, its 

 wings being well adapted for long journeys. During 

 its sojourn in this country it very rarely visits the 

 ground, obtaining most of its food in the branches 



