BRITAIN^S BIRDS AND THEIR NESTS. 301 



probably the joint produce of a couple of hens. In 

 defence of its nest this little bird is very bold. The 

 snake-like hissing sound which it emits in the darkness 

 of its hole is no mean protection against ignorant persons 

 and other intruders on its haunts. 



THE CRESTED TIT 



(Parus cristatus). 



The Crested Tit is scarcely found in our area except 

 in some old forests of the central Highlands. The name 

 indicates the characteristic feature of the bird, and the 

 habits are like those of its commoner congeners. As well 

 as nesting in holes, it sometimes occupies old nests of 

 other birds. The white eggs are boldly marked with 

 light-red spots or zones. 



THE LONQ=TAILED TIT 



(Acredula caudata). 

 Plate 109. 



Owing to its long tail and other differences, this Tit 

 is kept apart from the typical Tits in a genus of which 

 it is the sole British representative. The long tail and 

 the conspicuous, variegated plumage are fully sufficient 

 for identification. Apart from these and a few minor 

 features, this bird is veiy Tit-like in appearance. It is 

 also not widely different from the Tits in general habits. 



The Long-tailed Tit is a not uncommon resident over 

 most of England, Wales, and Ireland. In Scotland it is 

 much more local, and is unknown, except as a wanderer, 



