52 OUR RESIDENT BIRDS 



in rabbit-burrows, among gnarled tree-roots, under 

 thick bush. 



Materials. If any, twigs and sticks. 



Eggs. Two. Pale creamy white. 



CRESTED TITMOUSE (Parus cristatus). 



Rare and strictly local, and confined at least as a 

 breeding species to certain pine forests in Scotland. 



Plumage. Feathers of head black edged with greyish 

 white and forming a crest ; a black streak from eye to 

 back of head, continuing round cheeks, and ending in 

 the black throat and chest. Back and wings olive-brown. 

 Tail brown ; under parts dull, more buffy on the flanks. 

 Bill black. Feet lead-colour. Length 4! in. Female 

 less defined crest and less black on throat. Young like 

 female, but no crest. 



Language. Call-note, " see-see-see," then " tur-re-re- 

 re-re," given in a trilling manner. 



Habits. Very like the other Tits, and confining its 

 attentions chiefly to fir-trees and the like. 



Food. Insects and their larvae, seeds and berries. 



Nest. April onwards. Probably two broods. 



Site. In hole in fir-tree excavated by the bird, behind 

 bark on a decaying tree and the like. 



Materials. Dry grass, moss, feathers, fur, hair, &c., 

 felted together. 



Eggs. Five to eight. White, well-spotted, speckled, 

 and often zoned with reddish brown. 



TREE CREEPER (Certhia familiaris). 



Pretty well distributed ; affecting well-wooded dis- 

 tricts. 



Plumage. Upper parts dark brown, mottled with 

 yellowish brown ; pale streak over eye. Throat and 

 breast white, more dingy on the belly. Wings brown, 



