HABITS OF BEARDED TlT 233 



when it hangs on the slender branch of a tree ; but 

 if it was not for the two kinds having such a pro- 

 minent tail, perhaps one would not be so much 

 struck with the resemblance in their habits. 



According to our observations, the hens did 

 most of the sitting and feeding at the several 

 nests ; but this may have been because she was 

 bolder than her mate. Unless one is really hidden 

 from the sight of such birds it is hardly fair to 

 judge of their habits ; and the presence of any one 

 with a camera in front of them, must of course have 

 a disturbing effect on such timid creatures. At 

 the nest occupied by those which had lost their 

 tails, the cock performed a large part of the duties 

 of incubation, but still fell short of the hen in what 

 he did. 



There were also several pairs about with broods, 

 and some must have been nearly full grown, while 

 others were only just able to follow their parents 

 from reed to reed. Then we found nests with 

 young in them, while, others contained eggs alone, 

 which, to judge by those in one nest, must have 

 been quite fresh, as the number increased after 

 discovery. It thus appears that there must be at 

 least two broods reared during each season, if not 

 three, by some of the Bearded Tits, especially as 

 they sometimes commence to lay in April. I have 



