I02 LOST AND VANISHING BIRDS 



its note as a musical 'ping, its alarm-note a harsh, 

 Whitethroat-like chir-r-r-r, and its cry of distress 

 a plaintive ee-ar-ee-ar. The food of the Bearded 

 Titmouse is composed in summer of insects and 

 tiny molluscs ; in winter, of the seeds of the reed 

 and other plants. Of the pairing habits of this 

 species nothing definite is known. Its nesting 

 season begins in April, and is prolonged until July, 

 two broods being reared in the year. The nest is 

 generally made beneath the shelter of a tuft of 

 sedge or other coarse aquatic herbage, well con- 

 cealed by overhanging vegetation. It is cup-shaped, 

 rather deep, and made externally of dry grass, 

 dead leaves, bits of reed, and scraps of withered 

 aquatic plants ; internally of finer grass and the 

 flowers of the reed. The eggs are from five to 

 seven, creamj'- white in ground colour, freckled 

 with irregular lines and specks of dark brown. 

 From these few particulars it may be remarked 

 that the Bearded Titmouse is somewhat prolific, 

 and we believe would hold its ground and steadily 

 increase if reasonable protection were aflforded it. 



The adult male Bearded Tit has the head delicate 

 lavender grey; the lores and a tuft of drooping, 

 moustache-like feathers on either side of the gape 

 are black ; the general colour of the upper parts is 



