TUFTED TITMOUSE. 



731. Baeolophu,* bicolor. 6 inches. 



Head crested, forehead )lack, and flanks brownish. 



Their habits are very similar to those of the Chick- 

 adees. In the winter they go about in small flocks 

 hanging from the twigs and foliage in all manner 

 of positions in their quest for insects, and creeping 

 around the trunks of trees to examine the crevices 

 in the bark. They remain in flocks until when they 

 break up into pairs for the summer. 



Notes. A variety of whistles and a dee-dee-dee, 

 like that of the Chickadee. 



Nest. In cavities in stumps, usually near the 

 ground; the holes are lined with leaves, moss, grass 

 and hair or feathers; the five or six eggs are white 

 with brown specks. The bird is very tame and often 

 will have to be removed from the nest by force before 

 the eggs can be seen. 



Range. Eastern U. S., resident and breeding from 

 the Gulf north to New Jersey and Illinois, casually 

 farther. 



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