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surface. The spot was overgrown with water-plants, reeds, alder, and pollard willows; the water 
‘also was covered with weeds. Many birds were breeding there, Warblers especially. 
“The nest of the Bearded Titmice was composed of dry fibres of reeds and grass, interwoven 
with some spiders’ webs and roots, while some dead leaves were arranged inside, and formed, 
together with the bloom of the sedge, a kind of loose lining. The nest was shaped like a ball, 
the opening being very narrow, in size it agreed with that of the Sedge-warbler, but more 
rounded and much more soft and flexible. The four eggs were nearly hatched, and were of a 
pinkish-white colour, with two or three brownish streaks on the larger end; one, however, was 
altogether unstreaked. Both old birds made a great noise when I captured their little home; 
both incessantly uttered their anxious note “ churr, churr,” flying round about me and performing 
a series of rapid movements. 
“In its motions, as in its general economy, the Bearded Titmouse has something very 
peculiar. In some respects it approaches, as regards its movement, either the Long-tailed 
Titmouse or some species of Drymeca. It is as lively as the latter, but not so vigorous, and 
continually restless as the former. It is a very delicate little bird, though nimble enough; it is 
fond of society and an undisturbed life. The old pair and the young family when flying 
together evince great affection for each other. Though heard throughout the day, they are 
seldom seen, as they conceal themselves so well that none are to be noticed, notwithstanding 
that the whole flock is climbing about the reeds within a few feet of the observer. 
“When the seeds of the sedge are ripe, and insects concealed among the hairy substance of 
the dried sedge-blossoms, then these beautiful little birds may be observed balancing on the tops 
of the plants, hanging and turning, spreading their wings, a charming sight to see. As far as I 
have observed, they feed on insects and very small snails, which they swallow with the shell. 
“The sexual difference is not well known; and in several figures given of this species the 
same inaccuracy always occurs, namely in the colours of the head. The hen bird throughout its 
life has two dark stripes on the occiput; the spots on the back disappear in the very old female, 
though they may be still present in adult individuals. 
‘‘The young ones when leaving the nest are very pale, almost sandy white, with a large 
black spot on the back, and no distinct stripes on the occiput. In the females these indications 
of a stripe become more distinct after moulting, but entirely disappear in the young ones of the 
year of the male sex. The moulting takes place six or seven weeks after having left the nest. 
I have once seen an individual, caught in September, of a very pale plumage, though distinctly 
exhibiting the characters of the male; but the feathers of the back were more or less spotted, and 
the under tail-coverts mottled with white. 
«‘ Bearded Titmice have no real song, their vocal powers being rather limited. Nevertheless 
they produce peculiar notes for expressing their different feelings. When rejoicing in each other's 
presence, or when one perceives the arrival of its mate, they utter repeatedly their note, ‘ptjink, 
tjinck. When disturbed, frightened, or caught, both sexes produce a very peculiar sound, like 
tsjirrr-rr wr rrrr. Distress or anxiety is expressed by ee-arrh ce arr-chie-ur. When uttering the 
latter they erect the body, bow the head downwards, and puff the feathers of the head and neck. 
I made this observation myself, and have tested it on several occasions, and now write it down 
with a bird before me mourning for the loss of his wife. The sound is thus described with the 
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