34 BIRDS 



will probably get an iinexpected, chattering scolding from 

 the little king as he flies away. 



In the spring his love song is as surprisingly strong in 

 proportion to his size as the wren's. It seems impos- 

 sible for such a volume of meUow, flute-like melody 

 to pour from a throat so tiny. Before we have a chance 

 to hear it again, the singer is off with his tiny queen 

 to nest in some spruce tree beyond the Canadian bor- 

 der. 



The golden-crowned kinglet, similar to its next of kin, 

 has a touch of orange color, bordered by yellow and out- 

 lined by black for his adornment; otherwise one could 

 scarcely tell the kinglets apart. 



The Chickadee 



Length — 5 to 5.5 inches. About an inch smaller than the 

 English sparrow. 



Male and Female — ^Not crested. Crown and nape and 

 throat black. Above gray, slightly tinged with brown. 

 A white space, beginning at base of bill, extends back- 

 ward, widening over cheeks and upper part of breast, 

 forming a sort of collar that almost surrounds neck. 

 Underneath dirty white, with pale rusty-brown wash 

 on sides. Wings and tail gray, with white edgings. ' 

 Plumage downy. 



Range — ^Eastern North America. North of the Carolinas 

 to Labrador. Does not migrate in the North. 



Migrations — ^Late September. May. Winter resident; 

 permanent resident in northern parts of the United 

 States. 

 {See plate, 'page 26.) 



