Passeres 



45 



well-known nest is an oval ball of moss covered with 

 lichens and warmly lined with feathers, while the beauti- 

 ful fabric contains from seven to ten small white eggs, 



Long-tailed Tit's nest 



generally with indistinct pink spots. Forks of lichen- 

 covered birches are a favourite site in north Scotland ; 

 but thick hedges, gorse-bushes, small shrubs or the ivy 

 on trees are commonly utilized ; in various counties the 



