P. B 
i . 
Birds of Massachusetts. 143 
The Rusy-crownep Wren, Regulus .calendulus, 
is a beautiful little bird, often seen here late in the 
autumn, on its return from the northern regions. 
How far they go, and what are their habits at that 
season, no one has yet been able to inform us. Au- 
dubon had no doubt of its breeding in Labrador, but 
he did not succeed in finding its nest, neither has 
it been found by any of the arctic expeditions. 
Wilson met with them in Pennsylvania, in the 
summer, but they are not seen in Massachusetts till 
the autumn, when they associate with the titmouse, 
and move round in busy silence, wholly intent on 
the work of gathering food. At the north, their 
song is equal to that of the canary, in richness, 
variety and power. They are not uncommon in the 
western parts of the State. 
The Frery-crownep Wren, Regulus tricolor, has 
been obtained by Dr. Brewer, in the vicinity of 
Boston. It rears its young in Labrador, and is seen 
here on its return in October, when it collects its 
food, consisting of the larve and eggs of insects, 
without regarding the presence of any observer. It 
is said, that on striking the branch on which they 
are perched, these little birds will fall dead, as the 
Canada jays are often killed by their enemies, the 
hunters. 
The Hovuse-Wren, Troglodytes aedon, is a sum- 
mer resident in the State. It is a spirited, restless, 
wayward little bird, which treats the human race 
with great familiarity. It seems to expect that 
