MASS. (Middlasez Oe^ APR 25 1888 





















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The Singing of Birds. B.P.BiokneU. 



Regulus calendula. Ruby-crowned Kinglet. 



This little bird sings regularly wliile it is with us in the 

 spring and fall. In spring its song dates from its first arrival 

 (earliest record, April 7), and is frequent until the majority of the 

 birds have passed northward. Shortly after it has last been 

 heard (latest record, May i),the species has disappeared; but 

 sometimes the last song gives the last record of its presence. 



After their re-appearance in September these birds usually ' 

 remain silent for a week or more — in a few instances I have 

 heard the song on the day of arrival — after which their song may 

 be heard at any time before the final days of their stay. Autum- 

 nal data of their singing are comprised between September 20 

 and October 21. If, however, the species be uncommon the 

 song may not be heard at all in the latter month. 



Though the smallest of our song-birds, and — excepting the 

 Hummer and its own near relative, the Golden-crowned King- j 

 let— the least of all the birds that visit us, the Ruby-crowned ; 

 Kinglet possesses marked vocal power. Its clearly whistled and i 

 cheerfully modulated warble would not be a discreditable perfor- 1 

 mance from a much larger bird. I 



Its ordinary notes are short and sharp, and though not loud 

 may, under the influence of excitement, be prolonged into a harsh 

 Wren-like chatter. Auk, I, April, 1884. p. / 3 *i , 



