184 
ORDERS OF BIRDS— PERCHERS AND SINGERS 
RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET. 
head. In life it is a dainty little feathered gem, 
but it is so modest and retiring that it is seen 
only by sharp eyes. “Kinglet” means “Little 
King.” Mrs. Mabel Osgood Wright testifies 
strongly to its value as an insect-destroyer, 
especially in the late autumn, when other in- 
sectivorous birds have gone, when it works in- 
dustriously upon the trunks of evergreens. Dr. 
Coues considered the Kinglet an exquisite singer, 
but I must confess that its vocal powers have 
quite escaped me. 
THE NUTHATCH AND TITMOUSE 
FAMILY. 
Paridae. 
The birds of this Family deserve to rank as 
prime favorites. Tliey remain with us through 
“the long and dreary winter,” when all save a 
corporal’s squad of the grand army of birds have 
fled southward, and left us to our fate. They 
are exceedingly industrious, and their efforts 
are directed against insects of very destructive 
habits, the tree-borer and the bark-louse. In 
their work they are not continually “ playing to 
the gallery,” and telling people how busy they 
are. 
The Chickadee, or Black - Capped Tit - 
mouse , 1 is one of the dearest little fellows that 
Hies. It always reminds me of a forest-elf, in 
a black cap and a feather cloak. Instead of 
making a great show of fright, like a girl in the 
presence of a ferocious mouse, little Black-Cap 
perches on a tiny twig growing low down on the 
trunk of a big tree, and cocks his head at you, 
while he looks you over with a fraternizing air. 
His attitude and manner say as plainly as Eng- 
lish, “You are a good fellow, and I’m another. 
We understand each other perfectly, don’t we?” 
And then his greeting. If you have never be- 
fore had the pleasure of meeting him, he pipes 
out cheerily, “ cmcK-a-dee-dee-dee/ ” Watch 
for him the next time you go into the woods in 
winter, — a jet-black cap with a white waistcoat 
below it; a black necktie, bluish-gray overcoat, 
and a very pert and saucy air. You can hardly 
fail to recognize him, but in case you hesitate, 
and think his “face is familiar,” he will up and 
tell you his name, as plainly as print. 
- i 
CHICKADEE. 
1 Pa'rus at-ri-cap' il-lus . Length, 5.25 inches. 
