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leaves, shreds of bark, wool, hair, feathers, &c. ; 

 and should it be attacked by other birds it is de- 

 fended by the Titmouse with great energy. The 

 eggs, about six in number, are of a bluish white, 

 dotted with red. 



TITMOUSE, LONG-TAILED. 



PARUS CAUDATUS, Lin. 



This singular-looking bird, the most diminutive 

 of our British species, except the Golden-crested 

 Wren, is found throughout Europe and the colder 

 parts of Asia, generally distributed in the wooded 

 and cultivated districts. Its habits are similar to 

 those of the other Tits, with which it occasionally 

 associates ; but it differs from them in attaching its 

 nest to the branches of trees. The nest is of an 

 oblong form, composed of moss and lichens, lined 

 with feathers, and having an aperture near the top, 

 as well as at the bottom, for escape. The eggs are 

 next in size to those of the Golden-crested Wren, 

 and their thin white surface is generally marked 

 with numerous faint red spots or dots at the larger 

 ends. 



