704 ' The Sparrow-like Birds 



THE KINGLETS 



(Family Regulid(B) 



The diminutive Kinglets, or Goldcrests, which are typically represented by 

 a single genus (Regulus\ have been banded about not a little as regards their 

 systematic standing, and even now it can hardly be claimed that their position 

 and rank are finally fixed. Usually regarded as a subfamily of the Sylviida, 

 or Old World Warblers, they have also been given by some authorities a similar 

 position under the Paridtz, or Titmice, while Dr. Sharpe divorces them entirely 

 from these groups and gives them full family rank between the Wren-Tits (Cha- 

 mmidcK) and Nuthatches (Sittida). Whatever the final pronouncement, it is 

 certain that they are as much entitled to family rank as are many of the other so- 

 called "families" of the O seines. 



The Kinglets are dainty little birds between three and four inches long, with 

 the soft lax plumage of the Tits, and are spread over the entire Nearctic and 

 Palsearctic regions, breeding far to the northward or high up in the mountains. 

 They have a short, straight, slender, slightly notched bill, oval nostrils, which 

 are covered by a single peculiarly shaped feather or a small tuft of feathers, 

 sparse rictal bristles, and rounded wings which are longer than the emarginate 

 tail. In color the plumage is plain olive-green or olive-grayish above, the wings 

 with two narrow white bands, and dull whitish more or less tinged with olive 

 or dull yellowish below; the crown is usually orange, yellow, or red centrally, 

 whence the appropriate name of Goldcrests. They are very active and energetic, 

 yet withal tame and confiding little birds, going about in parties and con- 

 sorting with Warblers, Titmice, and Creepers, and like them seeking their food 

 of insects among the branches of trees and shrubbery. They frequent especially 

 coniferous trees, and there is no more pretty sight than an industrious swarm 

 of these bright-capped musical little midgets gleaning amidst the dark green 

 branches. While not all are equally endowed with remarkable voices, certain 

 ones are particularly favored, such for example as the North American Ruby- 

 crown (R. calendula). "It is really surprising," says Dr. Coues, "that such 

 a tiny creature should be capable of the strong and sustained notes it utters 

 when in full song. The lower larynx, the sound-producing organ, is not much 

 bigger than a good-sized pin's head, and the muscles that move it are almost 

 microscopic shreds of flesh. The Kinglet's exquisite vocalization defies de- 

 scription ; we can only speak, in general terms, of the power, purity, and volume 

 of the notes, their faultless modulation, and long continuance." Aubudon, 

 too, was much impressed with it, saying that "its song is fully as sonorous as 

 that of the Canary-bird, and much richer, being powerful and clear, but much 

 more varied and pleasing." 



The nests of the Kinglets are exquisite examples of bird architecture, being 

 large, round structures made of green moss, strips of bark, and fine rootlets, 

 thickly and warmly lined with soft feathers; these are usually placed in forks 

 or partially suspended among the branches of spruce trees, usually high above 



