24 
THE BIRDS OF HAMPSHIRE. 
More also writes ^ that it has been by no means 
unfrequent in the furze on St. Boniface Down ; and 
occurs also at Pan Common and about Newchurch, in 
the Rookley Moors, a " wilderness " near Godshill, and at 
Freshwater. 
Dr. Cowper ^ says it nests in the island, but cannot be 
at all numerous. Mr. Witherby has found it breeding near 
the Needles. 
GY.^\]S—Regulus. 
21. Regtihcs cristatus, Goldcrest. 
Gold-Crested Wren. Thumb-Bird. Tom Thumb. 
Resident in all parts of the county and Isle of Wight. 
It is plentiful in those districts where spruce and other 
firs abound, and often abundant in other parts during 
migration. 
For some years past a pair have visited, several times a 
day, in the spring, the windows of one of the rooms of my 
house at Laverstoke, perching on the flowers in the flower- 
boxes, clinging to the sides of the windowframes, or 
hovering in front of the glass ; this visitation is continued 
for about a week, and they appear to be endeavouring to 
reach the neighbouring shrubs reflected in the glass. 
(Munn.) 
Wise says that it is known throughout the forest as 
" The Thumb-bird." 
Botanists tell us that there was a time when there 
» " Birds of the Isle ot Wight." i860. 
= " Hants Court Guide." 1897. 
