The Long-tailed Tit 



horsehair and innumerable feathers, as many as seven 

 hundred having been counted in a single nest. 



The full complement of eggs is at least ten, and two 

 broods are often reared in a season. 



This species is entirely insectivorous and less destructive 

 to the buds of fruit-trees than any other kind of Tit, so that 

 no one can have any excuse for destroying this beautiful 

 little bird that does so much to brighten our hedgerows 

 during the dull months of winter. 



The sexes are alike. The forehead and crown are white, 

 bordered by a dark stripe, which runs from the bill over the 

 eye to join the black of the nape and back. "Wings dark 

 brown ; scapulars and rump pinkish ; tail feathers black, 

 the three outer pairs broadly tipped and margined with 

 white. Under parts dull white and tinged with pink on 

 the flanks and belly. The young are duller. Length 

 5*5 in. ; wing 2*4 in. 



Continental specimens are said to be distinguishable 

 from our native birds. 



It is common throughout our islands except in Scotland, 

 where it is somewhat local. 



THE GREAT TIT 



Parus major, Linnaeus 



On a bright morning in winter, when the leafless 

 branches of the trees bear white traces of the night frost, 

 whose tonic power is felt by man, as well as the lower 



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