The Bush -Tit {Psaltrlparus minimus) 



By F. E. L. Beal 



Length: Zyi inches. 



The Bush-Tit or Least Titmouse belongs to the large bird family, Paridae. 

 The species of this family are represented by the titmice, nuthatchets and chick- 

 adees. In distribution, the family is quite cosmopolitan, and contains several 

 species that are noted for the peculiar and beautiful nests that they build. The 

 majority of the species, however, choose, as a site for their home, holes in trees, 

 or in fence rails and posts, or in the timbers of old buildings. These cavities 

 are neatly and warmly lined with a thick matting of vegetable down, animal hair 

 and feathers. The homes of the true titmice are found in such places. 



The Bush-Tits of the Pacific coast of the United States, as well as nearly 

 all the other species of long-tailed titmice, build wonderful nests which are pensil 

 and exceedingly large, when the size of the birds is considered. Minimus, the 

 specific name of the Bush-Tit which we illustrate, is an appropriate name, for 

 the bird is scarcely larger than our common humming bird. In the forests of 

 the Pacific coast, it is an abundant and familiar bird, and its gentle, though active, 

 nature endears it to all observers of bird life. It is said that at times it is so 

 intent in its search for insect food that it is perfectly oblivious to its surroundings 

 and may be easily taken alive. By imitating its call-notes, a number of Bush-Tits 

 may always be attracted to the vicinity of the intruder. 



The Bush-Tits are usually seen in small flocks, and the birds, while hunting 

 for insects on the tree foliage, will constantly utter their call-notes. Though it is 

 seldom that two nests are found very near together, yet if one pair is frightened 

 and utters an alarm-note, a number of others will soon appear in the vicinity. 

 If one of a flock is killed, great anxiety is shown by all the rest. They gather 

 around and utter a call that seems almost pathetic, and flying a short distance, 

 while still uttering the call, seem to invite the dead companion to follow. So 

 profound is their anxiety and so earnest is their effort to arouse t4ie dead bird, 

 that the presence of a person is hardly noticed. 



The nest of the Bush-Tit is an elaborate affair about eight inches long and 

 three inches in diameter, and in form quite like a long purse. It is suspended 

 from the branches of any tree that suits the fancy of the birds, and is seldom 

 more than five or six feet above the ground. The structure is a woven mass 

 of twigs, moss, bark fibers, leaves and lichens. The entrance is near the top and 

 sheltered by a cover or roof of woven moss and lichens, and also by the foliage 

 of twigs from which it is suspended. The opening is further strengthened by a 

 strongly woven ring. An observer, describing the interior of a nest, says : "The 

 passageway, at a distance of two inches within the opening, suddenly contracts 

 and its cource from being horizontal, descends perpendicularly to the bottom of 

 the nest. The narrow passage below this neck-like contraction, as well as the 

 whole structure itself, again expands, growing larger as it descends, and the 

 lower portion of the nest takes the shape of a cylindrical pouch, three inches in 



818 



