144 
SYLVIAD.E. 
through the whole extent of the coasts of North umber] and and 
Durham. In their migratory flights, these little birds often 
associate with the titmice, with whom they have in manners 
and habits many points of resemblance. In March and 
April this little species retires again towards the north for 
the summer months. 
The Golden-crested Wren is generally diffused over Eng¬ 
land, especially in fir woods and plantations ; and so strongly 
is it attached to trees of the fir kind, that it is seldom to be 
seen in any other ; their attachment to trees of this class ap¬ 
pears not only on account of their affording shelter at all sea¬ 
sons, which some other evergreens do equally, but the scaly 
bark of these trees seems to abound with the insects most 
suited to them; they also feed upon the small seeds of some 
kinds of fir, which have been found in their stomachs. 
These birds are found equally in wild and in cultivated dis¬ 
tricts, the attraction being always fir-trees ; they fearlessly 
approach houses Avhere such temptation offers, and are often 
seen in winter to frequent evergreen roses, and other climbers 
upon porches and trellices in search of insects. They are oc¬ 
casionally seen upon heaths among furze bushes. 
In manners these little creatures are restless and lively, 
gentle, and confiding, exhibiting no signs of fear either when 
at large or caged. They are fond of society, and are often 
seen in company with titmice, especially the crested, where 
this abounds, whose attachment to fir woods is equally strong. 
The presence of this little bird may often be detected by its 
note tzit! tzit! and when several are together feeding and 
flitting among the upper branches of a tree, the frequent 
uttering of this little syllable sounds like whispering. They 
have, besides, a call-note, resembling see ! or shree ! which is 
very shrill, and not unlike that uttered by the redbreast. 
The restlessness of this little bird is so great that it is 
seldom to be seen but in motion, flitting from branch to 
