CRESTED TITMOUSE. 85 



surface. Sometimes the spots form a very decided zone. 

 Average measurement, '55 inch in length, by -43 inch in 

 breadth. Incubation, performed chiefly by the female, 

 who sits with her long tail resting ov^er her back, some- 

 times pointing out of the entrance-hole, lasts from twelve 

 to fourteen days. 



Diagnostic characters: The exceptionally minute 

 markings, together with their small number, readily 

 distinguish the eggs of this species from those of all 

 others likely to be confused with them. The form and 

 composition of the nest are also an unfailing guide 

 to identification. 



Family PARTD.E. Genus Parus, 



Sub-family PARIN.-E. 



CRESTED TIT M O U S E. 



Parus cristatus, LinncEus. 

 Probably Doable Brooded. Laying season. April to June. 



British breeding area : The Crested Titmouse is 

 another very local species, being, so far as is known, 

 confined chiefly to the counties watered by the Spey, 

 extending, but more sparingly, into Ross-shire in the 

 north, and to Aberdeenshire in the east. 



Breeding habits : The breeding-grounds of the 

 Crested Titmouse are the pine forests, and, less fre- 

 quently, the oak woods and birch coppices. There car. 

 be little doubt that this species pairs for life, as all the 

 winter through it may be seen in company with its 

 mate, and although gregarious to some extent at that 



