THE CRESTED TIT (Lophophanes cristatus) is mouse-coloured on the upper portion of the body, and greyish white on the under side; the slender graduated feathers that form the crest, the shafts of which incline forward, are black edged with white; the region of the cheek is white; a sickle-shaped stripe across the eyes is black, as is also a line commencing at the nape and extending to the tail; the quills and tail-feathers are dark greyish brown, with light edges. The eye is brown, the beak black, with pale margins, and the feet dirty light blue. The length of the body is five and its breadth eight inches; the female is somewhat smaller than her mate. The crest of the young birds is not quite so large, and the markings on their head more indistinct.
The Crested Tits are spread over Central Europe and North-western Asia, where they principally frequent fir and pine forests, remaining almost throughout the entire year in their native woods, only leaving their shelter for a short time in the spring and autumn. During the winter they associate freely with other species, and in their company fly about in search of food. The song of the male is chirping and insignificant, and during the breeding season is accompanied by a great variety of gesticulation, and a constant display of the crest that adorns his head. The nests are always placed in holes of trees, such as have a narrow entrance being preferred, and are situated at various heights from the ground, in some instances in the deserted dwellings of other birds or of squirrels; the exterior is formed of bits of moss, or some similar material, and lined with hair or wool of various kinds. The eggs, eight to ten in number, are small and delicate, and of snowy white, spotted with rust-red; both parents brood, and the young are hatched within a fortnight, and are reared on small caterpillars. As soon as they are able to support themselves, the old pair at once make preparations for a second family.
THE LONG-TAILED TITMOUSE (Orites caudatus).
Although rare in Great Britain, this species is abundant in all the northern regions of Europe, frequenting places where juniper trees are plentiful; it is common in Germany and the Alpine districts, and is scarce in Holland.
Colonel Montague says, "It is not uncommon amongst the large tracts of pines in the north of Scotland, particularly in the forest of Glenmore, the property of the Duke of Gordon, from whence we have seen it," and Sir William Jardine states that "this bird has been found in some plantations not far distant from Glasgow, where it annually breeds."
It feeds on insects, berries, and the seeds of evergreens, and, according to M. Temminck, builds in holes in trees, or walls.
THE TOUPET TIT.
The TOUPET TIT (Parus bicolor) is remarkable by the tuft or toupet on its head. In this very pretty bird the sexes are so much alike as to be scarcely distinguishable; both may be described as having the forehead black, the sides of the head brownish black; all the upper surface uniform grey, under surface greyish white, tinged with yellowish brown on the flanks; bill black, irides dark brown, feet lead-colour.