VOL. VI.] NOTES ON THE BEARDED TIT. 139 



I have never seen any other species pay such attention 

 to the toilet of her yoimg as is the case with the hen 

 Bearded Tit. Not satisfied Avith the ordinary sanitation 

 of the nest, she will, when brooding, restlessly peck at the 

 lining, apparently removing and swallowing those minute 



BEARDED TIT: A SHY MALE. 

 {Photographed by Miss E. L. Turner.) 



insects which usually infest nests. She will often stand 

 up and carefully comb the tiny sprouting head-feathers 

 of each youngster in turn, by gently drawing the little 

 bristles through her bill. Doubtless this helps to remove 

 the feather-scales ; at any rate, the little ones seem 

 highly to appreciate the process. I have never seen 

 other parent-birds fuss over their young in this manner ; 



