FEMALE GOLDEN-CROWNED GOLD-CREST. ISI 
from Linné, Latham, Wilson, and Temminck, respecting the 
propriety of placing these birds im a separate genus from 
Sylvia, and I have therefore changed the generic name 
adopted by Wilson. ‘This genus forms a link intermediate to 
the genera Sylvia and Parus. It is small, both in the number 
and size of its species, consisting of the two smallest of the 
Kuropean birds, one of which is the subject of this article ; 
an American species, the ruby-crowned gold-crest (Regulus 
calendulus), so well figured and described by Wilson; and a 
fourth from Asia. 
The most obvious characters that distinguish the genus 
Regulus from Sylvia are, the bill remarkably slender through- 
out, and two small decomposed feathers, directed forwards so 
as to cover the nostrils. 
The habits of the gold-crests resemble, in many respects, 
those of the titmouse. They delight in cold weather, and then 
often perch on evergreen trees. ‘They display great activity 
and agility in search of their food, being almost constantly in 
motion, hopping from branch to branch, or climbing on trees, 
frequently with the head downwards, searching the chinks of 
the bark for their prey. These little birds commonly feed on 
the smallest insects, which they catch adroitly while on the 
wing. In the winter they seek them in their retreats, where 
they lie torpid or dead. They are also very expert at finding 
larvee and all sorts of small worms, of which they are so fond 
as to gorge themselves exceedingly. During summer, they oc- 
casionally eat little berries and small grains. In autumn, they 
are fat, and fit for the table, notwithstanding their very dimi- 
nutive size. ‘lhe species we are describing is found in great 
quantities in the neighbourhood of Nuremberg, in Germany, 
and sold in the markets of that city, where they command a 
high price. 
Wilson, in his account of the present species, observes that 
“the very accurate description given by the Count de Buffon 
agrees, in every respect, with ours.” Notwithstanding this 
observation, Buffon’s plate and description designate the egni- 
