PASSERES. ( 89 ) PARIDyE 



THE LONG-TAILED TITMOUSE. 



BOTTLE TIT, BOTTLE TOM, LONG-TAILED MAG, HUCK-MUCK, 

 POKE-PUDDING, MUM-RUFFIN, MUFFLIN. 



Acredula candata. 



Birds of many dyes 

 From tree to tree still faring to and fro. 



Hood. 



This interesting and various-coloured little bird, which 

 remains with us throughout the year,^ may be seen stream- 

 ing through many of our tall woods and plantations^ in 

 small wandering flocks during the winter months,^ keeping 

 generally about the tops of the trees, and flying rapidly 

 from branch to branch in search of insect food. The singular 

 appearance and activity of the small creatures, with their 

 long tails, as well as their constantly uttered notes, which 

 resemble the words " Churchur " and " Twit-twit," seldom 

 fail to attract attention, and help to enliven the woods 

 during the period of the year 



When the trees stand like grim skeletons. 



Nor spray nor leaflet can we find, 

 Save where the gnarled and sombre oaks 

 Defiant wave their straggling locks 



Upon the wintry wind. 



Walter Chisholm. 



1 The Long-Tailed Titmouse has been observed on migration at several of the 

 lighthouses on the English coasts. I have not been able, however, to find any 

 instance of its appearance at the Fame Islands or the Isle of May in the Jieporis 

 on the Migration of Birds, 1879-86. 



" The Pistol Plantation, near Blackadder, is a favourite resort of the Long- 

 Tailed Titmouse. 



3 Colonel Brown of Longformacus has informed me that a few years ago, 

 during severe weather in winter, a number of Long-Tailed Titmice came to a 

 window of Cowdenknowes House, where they were fed by Mrs. Hope. 



