THE GOLDEN-CRESTED WREN. 



201 



and plantations. Although from its diminutive size it has gained the title of Wren, it has no 

 claim to that designation, and is more rightly termed the Kinglet or Regains. 



This "shadow of a bird," as it is happily called by White, in his "Natural History 

 of Selborne," is a remarkably hardy little creature, braving the severest frosts of winter, 

 and mostly disdaining to avail itself of the shelter of human habitations. On account 

 of its minute proportions and its retiring habits, it is a very unobtrusive bird, and is often 

 thought to be extremely rare in localities where it may be found plentifully by those who 

 know where to look for it. Even in places where it was held to be extremely scarce, I could 

 always procure specimens at will by a judicious disposition of a little birdlime, and I have fre- 

 quently discovered the admirably hidden and beautifully constructed nests of these interesting- 

 birds. 



The Golden-crested Wren is notable for the crest of golden-colored feathers which is placed 

 upon the crown of its head, winch it can raise or depress at pleasure, and which gives so pert 



GOLDEN-CRESTED WREN AND FIRE CRESTED WREN.— Eegulm cristatus el ignicafnttm. 



and changeful an expression to the little creature. But for this golden crest, which is not at 

 all conspicuous when the feathers are lowered, the bird might easily be mistaken for a tree- 

 creeper as it runs up and down the 1 tranches, searching into the crevices of the bark for the 

 little insects on which it feeds. The first specimen that I ever saw was traversing the branches 

 of a tine "Blenheim Orange" apple-tree in an adjoining garden, and by my inexperienced 

 eyes was at first taken for a very young creeper. Like the creeper, it can even run up a per- 

 pendicular wall, peering into every little crevice, and stocking up the moss and lichens for the 

 purpose of obtaining the insects and their eggs that are lying concealed. It will also eat the 

 chrysalides that are found so abundantly upon the walls. 



All the movements of the Golden-crested Wren are full of spring and fiery activity, and 

 the manner in which it will launch itself from one tree to another, and then, without a pause, 

 commence traversing the branches, is a sight well worth seeing. Perhaps it is seen to best 

 advantage among the fir-trees, where it finds great scope for its active habits. Up one branch 

 it scuds, down another, then whisks itself through the air to a fresh tree, and then fiings itself 



Vol. II. -26. 



