British Cage Birds. 



liues of their plumage, and, until they pass the ordeal o-f 

 the moult, are destitute of the golden crown which adorn& 

 the heads of the adult birds ; they do not leave the nest 

 until fully fledged. 



Methods of Capture. — Gold-Crested Wrens may be caught 

 in winter with limed twigs. For this purpose, clear a piece 

 of ground, and bait with mealworms. They are very tame 

 when hungry, and will allow anyone to approach them pretty 

 closely. It is not at all unusual for these birds to visit 

 gardens in the autumn and winter. In such a case, they 

 may, with a little judicious management, be douched by means 

 of the hose used to water the plants, and are then easily 

 caught. In severe weather, when the snow is on the ground, 

 they may be taken with the Geldart " trap. 



Food and Treatment. — Gold-Crested Wrens feed on 

 aphis and other insects ; they catch flies, moths, and other 

 winged insects, and delight in ants and their eggs. In 

 confinement, they should be treated in the same manner as 

 recommended for the Common Wren. With care and atten- 

 tion, and a frequent change of diet, these birds will live and 

 thrive, either in a cage or aviary, for a considerable time. 

 In an outdoor aviary, by judicious management, they can 

 be kept in a healthy condition for several years. 



In winter, they should be provided with a nice cosy shelter, 

 into which they may retreat — one free from cold winds and 

 draughts. An old cage, lined with felt or flannel, and hung 

 in a quiet corner of the inner aviary, would do ; all the 

 tribe would use this, and sit closely packed together, so as 

 to keep each other warm and comfortable. Newly-cut branches 

 should be hung about in different parts of the aviary ; but 

 if large plants, or small trees, can be grown inside, these are 

 to be preferred. 



Rearing the Young. — The young may be reared in the 

 same way as those of the Common Wren. 



Distinguishing Marks or Cook and Hen. — The hen is paler 

 in colour throughout than the cock, and the deep, rich, burnished 

 golden coronet on the head of the latter is, in the case of 

 the hen, replaced by an ordinary yellow one. 



Song. — The song of this bird is agreeable, and even har- 

 monious, and much resembles that of the Common Wren, but 

 is softer, and not so loud. 



