COMMON GOLD-CRBST. 
157 
they may frequently be seen, associated. Their 
note of alarm, generally uttered on the approach 
of a stranger, is a shrill “ cheep ” frequently re- 
peated ; when feeding undisturbed, it consists 
of a few low notes, or a short not unpleasing 
song. The Common Gold-Crest breeds early, 
and forms a beautifully constructed nest, gene- 
rally interwoven near the end of the branch of 
some pine or fir, and shewing a half pendulous 
structure. It is formed principally, where we 
have seen it, of the green mosses or hypni, 
softly lined inside, and contains from seven to 
eleven or twelve eggs, rather round in form, and 
of a hair brown tint, darkest at the larger extre- 
mity. The parent birds are bold and familiar, 
and will even continue on the branch while the 
nest is inspected, uttering shrill and distressing 
cries, and erecting the crest as if wishful to attack 
the aggressor. The young brood continues toge- 
ther until about November, the time of migration, 
when our accession of numbers arrives, and when 
it is possible some may also depart and perform 
a partial journey ; during winter they are gene- 
rally seen in pairs plying their search after insects, 
and in stormy weather hunting among the lowest 
branches of the firs and brushwood. 
The extra British distribution of this bird is 
somewhat extended. It inhabits Northern Europe 
generally,* and it is perhaps from this range that 
* Mr Hewitson noticed it in the pine forests of Norway. 
See British Oology, and Mag. of Zool. and Bot. II. 
p. 313. 
