12/1. BiCKNELL on the Singing of Birds. [April 



Regulus calendula. Ruby-crowned Kinglet. 



This little bird sings regularly while it is with us in the 

 spring and fall. In spring its song dates from its first arrival 

 (earliest record, April 7) , and is frequent until the majority of the 

 birds have passed northward. Shortly after it has last been 

 heard (latest i-ecord, May i), the species has disappeared; but 

 sometimes the last song gives the last record of its presence. 



After their re-appearance in September these birds usually 

 remain silent for a week or more — in a few instances I have 

 heard the song on the day of arrival — after which their song may 

 be heard at any time before the final days of their stay. Autum- 

 nal data of their singing are comprised between September 20 

 and October 21. If, however, the species be uncommon the 

 song may not be heard at all in the latter month. 



Though the smallest of our song-birds, and — excepting the 

 Hummer and its own near relative, the Golden-crowned King- 

 let — the least of all the birds that visit us, the Ruby-crowned 

 Kinglet possesses marked vocal power. Its clearly whistled and 

 cheerfully modulated warble would not be a discreditable perfor- 

 mance from a much larger bird. 



Its ordinary notes are short and sharp, and though not loud 

 may, under the influence of excitement, be prolonged into a harsh 

 Wren-like chatter. 



Regulus satrapa. Golden-crowned Kinglet. 



Although this species has been accredited with decided musi- 

 cal ability, I have never heard from it a closer approach to song 

 than a faint chirping, interspersed with weak, tremulous notes. 

 These, however, though never to be mistaken for song, are not 

 wholly devoid of melody, and are at times pleasantly tintinabu- 

 lous. These notes are the bird's chief vocal expression while it 

 is with us in fall, winter, and spring, and difl^er greatly from the 

 quick stridulous call-notes of its ruby-crowned relative. 



Lophophanes bicolor. Tufted Titmouse. 



I have already given the only facts that I have acquired regard- 

 ing the singing with us of this species (it being in full song in 

 Maixh), in recording the only instances known to me of its occur- 

 rence (Bull. N. O. C, III, No. 3, p. 129, July, 1878). 



