136 RURAL BIRD LIFE. 



birds huddle together, when roosting, for warmth, is an 

 erroneous one no bird in the creation, whether large or 

 small, roosts in such a manner, be they ever so social or 

 gregarious in their habits. Early in the spring these 

 parties of Long-tailed Titmice separate into pairs, and 

 the original parents go off in company for the purpose 

 of rearing another brood ; for be it known this species is 

 undoubtedly a life-paired one, although it does not return 

 to the same nest yearly, but doubtless a new nest is 

 made somewhere in the neighbourhood of their previous 

 one. 



