GOLDEN-CRESTED WREN. 
419 
roost at night. Early in April they are seen on their re- 
turn to the north in Pennsylvania ; at this time they 
dart among the blossoms of the maple and elm in com- 
pany with the preceding species, and appear more vola- 
tile and actively engaged in seizing small flies on the 
wing, and collecting minute, lurking caterpillars from the 
opening leaves. 
In the autumn they succeed so well in obtaining food as 
to become very fat, and, though so diminutive, are in 
some parts of Germany caught in great numbers, exposed 
in the market for food, and among epicures command a 
high price. 
In England this species abides throughout the year ; 
but though in Scotland they breed in the Orkneys, at 
the approach of winter they migrate to the Shetland 
islands over sea, a distance of 60 miles ; yet, according 
to Mr. (Edman, they sustain themselves through the 
winter in the pine forests of Sweden. At the period of 
breeding they are said to sing melodiously, but weaker 
than the common Wren ; but Manduyt, in the Encyclo- 
pedic Methodique, assures us they have no song, merely 
a feeble screep or chirp, the note attributed to it being 
probably that of the true Wren. The nest is built usu- 
ally towards the extremities of the branches of the pine 
and fir, being of a spherical form, with a small entry at 
the side ; it is externally formed of moss and lichen, and 
lined with downy substances, and filaments, believed to 
be cobwebs, or probably silk of caterpillars or cocoons. 
The eggs, scarcely larger than peas, are from 6 to 12, 
dusky yellowish white, with very minute points or red- 
dish spots, scarcely distinguishable except on narrow in- 
spection. Like the Titmouse, for some time, the whole 
busy family hunt in company, and appear very lively, 
active, and amusing. 
