284 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 



The Chief Chaff (Sylvia mfa). 



Of mucli rarer occurrence with us tlian tlie iDreceding species. 

 We have identified it near Girvan, both on its arrival and previous 

 to its dej)arture. It prolongs its stay until the beginning of October, 

 and may be then observed flitting anxiously among the birch and 

 alder trees in some of the glens, uttering a cheeping note, and 

 sallying out after passing insects. 



The Golden-Crested Wren (Regulus cristatus). 

 Common. Great numbers are seen late in autumn frequenting 

 fir woods in the south of Wigtownshire. They are apparently 

 congregations assembling before migrating southwards. Mr 

 M'Donald, light-keeper at the Mull of Galloway, informs us that 

 he captures quantities of these little creatures in the lantern 

 about that season, and also again in spring when they return. 



PABIDM. 



The GrExVT Tit (Par us major). 

 Tolerably common, and extremely restless in its habits, seldom 

 remaining above a few minutes in one place. It often breeds in 

 holes of walls, and sometimes in straw stacks. Old birds and 

 young broods appear in gardens in July. 



The Blue Tit (Par us ccendeus). 

 Very common; travelling in lively companies from place to 

 place in the autumn and winter months. The nest is frequently 

 found in gardens, placed generally in any suitable crevice in an 

 old wall or hollow tree. It is a vigorous little bird in defence of 

 its young. 



The Cole Tit (Parus aier). 



Common in woods and belts of plantations. In the winter 

 season it takes up its quarters in private policies, where the woods 

 are old, and finds plenty of sustenance on the old trees infested 

 with insects. We have often seen it hopping among the withered 

 leaves on the ground, which it diligently turns over in search of 

 prey. 



Obs. — The Marsh Tit (Parus palustris), although known to occur 

 in Kenfrewshire and Lanarkshire, has not yet come under our 



