THE GOLD-CRESTED KIXGLET. 



The little Gold Crest is a notable bird, inasmuch 

 as he is the smallest feathered creature found in 

 Britain. His small size in no way diminishes his beautj-. 

 and he boasts a crest brighter than anj- other British 

 songster, save indeed his near relation the Fire Crest. 

 He frequents the fir woods and plantations, also the 

 birch coppices and shubberies. and, though seemingly 

 frail and delicate, braves all the rigours of our northern 

 winter with apparent comfort. 



The Gold Crest being .such a small and frail Uttle 

 creature, we should suppose would delay i»s . nesting 

 duties unii; the middle of summer: but thi< is not so. 

 I am conWnced that birds rear their young at times when 

 the food which brings them to maturitj^ occurs in greatest 

 abundance. The food of the Gold Crest consists for the 



