134 RURAL BIRD LIFE. 



advance, the one advances and the other retreats still 

 further into the wild. The case is analogous with that 

 of the Bittern, the Stork, the Bustard, and the vast 

 hordes of waterfowl, which in like manner have re- 

 treated, and other birds more homely and social have 

 taken their place. 



The Long-tailed Titmouse is the smallest of this 

 active family, and an engaging and pretty little creature 

 he is. At first sight he appears but a tiny ball of 

 feathers, shapeless, though animated, with one long 

 feather by way of tail. Yet if we examine him closely 

 his delicate rosy plumage comes out in rich contrast to 

 his darker markings ; his form, though small in size, is 

 perfect, and well adapted to his ways of life, and what 

 really appears as one long feather, is in reality a perfect 

 tail. The Long-tailed Tit is found in much the same 

 places as the other members of the family, though he 

 appears to show a decided preference for woods, thickets, 

 shrubberies, and the densest hedgerows. 



If you observe them after the vernal equinox you 

 will invariably find them in pairs, for their nesting season 

 is close at hand. Unlike any other species of Titmouse, 

 properly so called, the Long-tailed Tit builds a nest in the 

 branches of trees and shrubs — a nest of matchless beauty, 

 too, and which costs the little owners at least a fortnight's 

 incessant labour to complete. It is most frequently 

 placed amidst the branches of the ever verdant holly. 

 It is domed, and a small hole in the side near the top 

 admits the little owners. Its materials consist of the 

 greenest moss, lichens, and cobwebs, and lined with an 

 immense number of feathers and hairs. Mimicry is the 

 Long-tailed Tit's form of protective instinct, and well 

 does she practise it. Perhaps — nay the matter is without 

 a doubt — the nest of this little creature is the finest piece 



