Henninger, on the Parid^ of Germany. 7 



producing a very ludicrous appearance to the whole affair, but 

 eliminating the necessity of cleaning the nest. The birds are 

 said to raise a second brood in some localities, the second 

 brood appearing in June. 



The coloration of the young differs considerably from that 

 of the old birds. The 'head and neck are black or sooty, the 

 throat and lower parts are white with a grayish tinge. It is 

 needless to say that the Long-tailed Tit is a wholly beneficial 

 bird, well deserving the universal protection and welcome 

 wherever it is met with. 



The Crested Tit (Lophophanes cristatus) forms the great- 

 est contrast to the Long-tailed Tit, at least as far as habitat is 

 concerned, for it is a lover of the gloomy depths of the conifer- 

 ous forests — pines as well as firs. All the different titmice 

 troop together in the fall with kinglets, creepers, and nut- 

 hatches, and generally have as their leader a fine specimen of 

 the Great Spotted Woodpecker. Common need brings them 

 together, and the all absorbing food question seems to be the 

 controlling feature of their roving lives. But when the zephyrs 

 of spring call, the troops disband and the individuals betake 

 themselves to the serious business of house-keeping. Even into 

 the almost solemn gloom of the pine forest a ray and breath 

 of the warm sunshine seems to float and bring with it the 

 jolly Crested Tit. 



The passion of love causes the male to erect his crest, assume 

 the most peculiar coquettish appearance, almost dancing 

 around his ladylove, who, like all of her sex, wants to be 

 coaxed before she declares herself conquered. During this 

 time one can hear the low twitter of their mating song which 

 is totally different from their call notes, but yet insignificant 

 as far as beauty and melody are concerned. Coupled with 

 these actions is an increased activity in searching for food, and 

 the time of year assures a bountiful harvest of insects. Among 

 the branches, under the bark, on the ground, among the root- 

 lets of the trees they search with wonderful agility and energy. 

 Wherever the food is abundant they tarry longer, one taking 

 the place of another, chasing this neighbor," pinching that one 



