20 HIGHWAYS AND BYWAYS. 
of existence has been a close one, but the presence of 
so many of them shows that they have satisfactorily 
solved it. 
Aprrit 10.—The ruby-crowned wrens (egulus calen- 
dula) are a little tardier in coming than their cousins, 
the golden-crowned. In habit, size, color and markings 
they bear a close resemblance. The distinguishing 
physical feature is the redder patch on the crown of the 
former, which is often obscured by the loose feathers 
surrounding it. This patch is bright red instead of 
orange. The songs of the two species are very differ- 
ent. That of the ruby-crowned is a broken warble, 
while the golden-crowned is a slender whistle; both are 
on high keys and far-reaching. The former sing dur- 
ing their transient stay; the latter not till their arrival 
at their summer home in the woods. I know of but 
one other so small bird, and that is the winter wren, 
whose notes are so resonant and far-sounding as those 
of the ruby-crowned. To hear his song is a favor well 
worthy of chronicling. I shall not soon forget my glad 
surprise on first hearing it to know it. I was standing 
under one of the large larches in Forest Lawn when I 
heard sharp, vibratory call notes, much resembling 
those of the oriole, immediately followed by a warble 
of wonderful power, as clear, rich and ringing as that 
of the purple finch. My first thought was that it was 
the purple finch. And so very near! Looking up I 
saw the little Orpheus in feathers, his bright crown 
glowing in the sunlight; his throat swelling as the 
