$l6 CASSELL'S HOOK. OF IilRDS. 



though each wished to induce its companions to set the example by commencing the unwonted 

 flight. One after another rises into the air and makes a start, but finding that the rest have not 

 resolution to follow, at once returns to his former perch, until at last all take flight simultaneously ; 

 but even when once fairly off, a mere trifle, such as a hat thrown upwards, will often cause them to 

 drop heavily and precipitately to the ground. This unusual behaviour proceeds from the terror with 

 which they regard the approach of any bird of prey, as they are well aware that in flying over any 

 open country their inferior powers of wing place them completely at the mercy of such assailants. 

 For this reason, when journeying to any distance, the flocks of Blue Tits usually rise to a great height 

 before proceding on their perilous journey. 



THE AZURE TIT. 



The Azure Tit (Pants cyaneus) is considerably larger than the last-mentioned species. The 

 upper part of the body is light blue, the head and under side are white, the nape and wings deep 

 blue, the latter adorned with a broad white band, and tipped with white ; the eye is dark brown, 

 the beak greyish black, and the foot lead-grey. This species is from five inches and a quarter to six 

 inches long, and nine and a half broad. The Azure Tit is spread over the eastern part of Siberia, 

 and from thence wanders annually over some portions of Europe. 



"This beautiful Tit," says Mr. Gould, "is a native of Siberia, whence it frequently strays into 

 the northern parts of Europe, such as Russia and Poland, and it has been known to penetrate as far 

 south as Germany. Like the rest of its family it dwells in woods and forests, generally in the most 

 retired parts ; it, therefore, is not to be wondered at that its history is shrouded in obscurity, when we 

 consider how little intercourse naturalists have had with the remote countries that it inhabits. Like 

 the rest of its race, the sexes of the Azure Tit offer little or no difference in the colour of the plumage. 

 Nothing is known respecting nest or eggs.' 



THE SIBERIAN TIT. 



The Siberian Tit (Pants Sibericus) is, like the last-mentioned species, an inhabitant of the 

 most northern parts of Europe and Asia. The upper surface of this bird is of a deep ash-colour, 

 tinged on the back with brown ; the quills, secondaries, and tail-feathers edged with white ; throat 

 black ; cheeks and upper part of the chest pure white ; under parts greyish white, washed with rufous 

 on the flanks ; bill and tarsi lead-colour. 



The Siberian Tit is exceedingly rare in Europe. It migrates in winter to some of the provinces 

 of Russia, and has been found in Sweden. 



Mr. Lloyd informs us that it is plentiful in Lapland ; that the greater portion are stationary all the 

 year round ; and that at Mauno, in latitude 68° 35^ it is almost the only bird to be found during 

 the winter. 



" The Siberian Titmouse," says M. Malm, " is not only most fearless, but possessed of an 

 extraordinary degree of curiosity, and I have often had the greatest enjoyment in watching its move- 

 ments. On one occasion I stood for half an hour under a thick spruce pine tree, on the look-out for 

 one of these birds, which I heard chattering in the branches above me, but without being able to get 

 sight of it. At length, however, it left its perch on the top of the tree, and, to my great astonishment, 

 as I was still standing at the foot of the same tree, with the gun under my arm, it descended with the 

 rapidity of an arrow, and took post on the barrel, near the muzzle ! Here it remained a long while, 

 and it was not till I had driven it away with my hand that I was enabled to shoot it. 



" On another occasion, when out for the purpose of shooting, my gun being charged with large 

 shot, I met with a Siberian Titmouse ; and, whilst occupied in changing the shot, it came so very 



