THE LONG-TAILED TIT. 139 



usual note is a sharp chirp or twitter, varied by lower and 

 hoarser notes. At times these twitterings are very loud 

 and shrill, and at other times so feeble as to be almost 

 inaudible. When searching for food these little birds 

 assume the most peculiar attitudes, often being engaged 

 with the head downwards, their long tails giving them 

 a somewhat grotesque appearance. 



Their movements are full of sprightliness and gaiety, 

 and well repay any watching or observation. The flight is 

 not very strong, and is undulatory in its character. 



A well-known naturalist states that he has observed 

 these little birds, when insects on the branches were few 

 and far between, making very persistent efforts to feed 

 upon the gnats that were swarming in the sunshine ; but 

 he adds that they seemed to be very indifferent fly-catchers. 



The Long-tailed Tit is said to be a permanent resident 

 in Sweden, Russia, Holland, and many other European 

 countries. It remains in Great Britain and Ireland 

 throughout the entire year. 



The beak is black ; the irides hazel ; the top of the 

 head, nape, and cheeks greyish- white ; over the eye, and 

 descending thence over the ear-coverts, is a narrow 

 black stripe (this mark is broader in the females, and said 

 sometimes to be entirely wanting in old males) ; on the 

 upper part of the back a triangular patch of black, one 

 point of which is directed downwards ; the shoulders, 

 scapularies, and part of the rump tinged with rose-red; 

 wing-coverts black; primaries greyish-black; tertials 

 broadly edged with white; upper tail-coverts black; the 

 three pairs of central tail-feathers very long and black ; the 

 next three pairs each half an inch shorter than the feather 

 on the same side which precedes it, and all six are black on 



