182 BEARDED TITMOUSE. 



three species had been known, it is probable there 

 would have been no difference of opinion. In 

 the Long-tailed Titmouse we found no great 

 difference in the structure except the elongated 

 tail ; the habits agreed with those of the other 

 pari. In our present bird we have the elongated 

 tail, but we have in addition a differently formed 

 wing. The feet are lengthened and slender, and 

 the bill differs somewhat in form. The habits 

 of the birds are entirely aquatic j they delight in 

 reed brakes, where they shew a similarity of 

 manners in- climbing about them in search of a 

 part of their food, which consists, in a great 

 measure, of molusea, particularly succinea and 

 pupa ; and for the digestion of these the stomach 

 assumes the muscular form of a gizzard.* They 

 build a nest of a eup shape^ or ordinary form, 

 raised a short way above the ground, and com- 

 posed of the flag leaves and strong bents. 



From the structure of the feet, we should say 

 that it was a bird which was frequently on the 

 ground, and whence they have probably received 

 the title of " Reed pheasant." One which we ob- 

 served in the Earl of Derby's magnificent aviary, 

 was most active, hopping like a sparrow, picking 

 up grain, (oats,) and appearing from its manners 

 to be quite at home. We have added woodcuts 

 of the bill and wing, and a comparison of these 

 and our description with those at page 166 will 

 explain the principal distinctions. 



In other parts of their manners they exhibit 

 Yarrell. 



