25 



colouring lead, however, to its frequently being 

 overlooked. 



The specimens in the case were obtained in 

 the neighbourhood of Brighton early in the autumn 



of 1869. 







BEARDED TIT. (IMMATURE). 

 Case 37. 



The case represents the young birds as soon a 

 they are full fledged. In this early stage it is easy 

 to distinguish the males from the females, as the 

 former have already assumed the orange-coloured 

 beak, which always remains one of their dis- 

 tinguishing points. 



The present specimens were obtained in 

 September ; but young birds in this state of plum- 

 age may frequently be seen by the middle of May, 

 or even earlier. 



The Bearded Titmouse commences its nesting 

 operations as early as the middle of March, and 

 would in all probability rear two or three broods in 

 a season if unmolested. The demand for eggs, 

 however, is so great, that but few of the earlier 

 nests escape. 



The specimens in the case were shot on Hick- 

 ling Broad, in Norfolk, in September, 1872. 



See " Rough Notes," Vol. L, Plate 24 



WILLOW WEEN. 



Case 38. 



This small migrant is widely distributed over 

 the British Islands, being particularly numerous 

 even to the north of Scotland, wherever there is 

 sufficient vegetation in the various glens. 



The great similarity between this bird and the 



