66 BRITISH BIRDS, THEIR EGGS AND NESTS. 
thoroughly is it secured to the sticks whieh support it, that it is 
scarcely possible to obtain an entire one without cutting the 
sticks for removal also. The eggs are often ten in number, and 
sometimes one or two more, white, and very slightly specked 
with red, if at all. What the little bird does with her long tail 
when sitting, is a marvel. The young, when able to fly, keep 
much together and with their parents; and often, when at rest, 
sit very close together on one branch, so as to present a doubtful- 
looking feathery lump to the observer’s eye—J%ig. 17, plate III. 
76. BEARDED TITMOUSE.—(Paras biarmicus), 
The male of this species is, indeed, a beautiful bird. They are 
met with in sufficient abundance in many districts in England, 
e.g., about the Norfolk Broads, the Meres in adjacent counties, 
as well as in Surrey and Middlesex.. Until lately, from the 
fenny nature of the soil of their habitat, they have been less 
observed than any other birds; bui now their habits are much 
better known. Their nest is often made of various finer sedges 
and the dead flag-like leaves of the reed with a little grass, and 
lmed with the seed-down of the reed. Sometimes almost on the 
sround, sometimes raised a little above it in a tuft of grass or 
- reeds, on the margin of a ditch or other water, it contains four 
to six eggs, not so large as those of the Greater Titmouse, and of 
usual Titmouse colour and markings.—/%7. 18, plate IIT. 
VI. AMPELIDA. 
77. BOHEMIAN WAXWING.—(Bombycilla garrula). 
Waxen Chatterer, Chatterer, Bohemian Chatterer.—Less rare 
as a visitor, than some other British Birds ; but still only a visitor. 
