DOWNS -—ON THE LAND BIRDS OF NOVA SCOTIA. 181 



I wish to remark, however, in regard to my last paper, that as 

 European naturalists have been misled by my having given our barn 

 swallow as Hirundo riistica, it would probably be better to insert 

 Wilson's specific name Americana instead. Most of the European 

 and American birds are perfectly distinct, although some authors 

 have given them a similar name, and without thought I repeated 

 the error. 



Black and White Creeper — {Certkia varia). — This pretty 

 little bird with its black and white streaked plumage so clearly 

 defined, is somewhat abundant, and generally observed in company 

 with the warblers and arriving about the same time. Its nest is 

 very difiicult to find. 



Brown Creeper — {CertMa fa mi liar is.) — This bird which is 

 considered to be identical with the European Brown (/reeper is by 

 no means abundant. I have shot specimens in the vicinity of Grand 

 Lake, that famous locality for birds of all kinds, and have also seen 

 it once on my own property in the village. I think it breeds about 

 Grand Lake. 



Winter Wren — (Troglodytes hyemalii). — Nearly always found 

 inland. I have seen it about Grand Lake, and in the neighbour--- 

 hood of Kentville, but never about Halifax. This bird has a very 

 powerful song taking into consideration its small size, and at times 

 makes the forest ring with its pleasing note, It is solitary in habit, 

 and, unlike some of the wrens which court the society of man, 

 appears to shun it. You may see it in some secluded part of the 

 forest, hopping about old fallen tree trunks and endeavouring to 

 screen itself from observation. 



Ruby Crowned Wren — {Regulus calendula). — This is not a 

 common bird, and partakes of the habits of the former species in 

 keeping away from cultivation, and in power of song. I have shot a 

 specimen in Byer's swamp in the village. 



American Gold Crest — {Reguliis satrapa). — This nimble little 

 bird is a constant resident in the Province. It breeds in the denser 

 parts of the forest. In winter time when all nature appears to be 

 in a deep sleep the gold-crest and the black-cap-tit flit from tree to 

 tree in search of insect life, scanning the cracks and crevices, from 

 which they appear to obtain enough for their support. 



Black-Cap-tit — (Parus atricajnllus.) — Very common in win- 



