COMMON BRITISH BIRDS 55 



like a woolly ball with a long feather stuck in it. Seen 

 after the breeding-season in little parties of eight to 

 twelve following each other from tree to tree, or down 

 the hedge. 



Nest. Different from other Tit's nests, being built 

 in a bush, oval in shape with a tiny entrance on side 

 near top, made of moss, wool, and lichens, and warmly 

 lined with feathers. 



Eggs. Ten to twelve, white, with a few pale red 

 specks. 



Haunts. Woods and gardens. 



TIT, MARSH. (R. Tits.) 



Size. Smaller than a Sparrow. 



Colour. Head and throat black, no white on nape. 

 Back greyish-brown, wings and tail bluish-grey, with 

 only one indistinct whitish bar on wing. Cheeks 

 yellowish-white, under parts greyish-white. 



Note. Rather a silent bird, but has a tit-like call- 

 note. 



Distinguishing Feature. The absence of white on 

 the nape distinguishes it from the Cole Tit. 



Nest. Usually in a hole in a tree. 



Eggs. White with a few dark red spots. 



Haunts. Woods and gardens. 



WAGTAIL, GREY. (R. Wagtails.) 



Size. Sparrow. Slender shape with long tail. 



Colour. Head and back grey, rump and under parts 

 yellow. Throat in summer black. Wings and tail 

 brown, outer tail-feathers white. In winter the black 

 on throat disappears, and the yellow is paler. 



Note. Usually a simple ' tweet.' 



Distinguishing Feature. Easily recognized as a 

 Wagtail by its constantly moving longish tail, while 

 the black throat with yellow under parts denotes 

 this species. 



Nest. In hole in wall, or heap of stones, generally 

 near water. 



Eggs. Yellowish-white, with brownish spots and 

 dots. 



Haunts.- Sides of streams or ponds. 



