GREAT TIT— LONG-TAILED TIT 183 



hastily withdrawn in consequence of a hissing sound 

 from the bird, resembling the warning note of a snake. 

 This bird may be readily induced to take up a resi- 

 dence in any desired spot by means of nesting-boxes 

 hung in convenient situations. See Plate 15, Fig. 83. 



The Great Tit is a larger bird than the preceding, 

 but similar in appearance. It may readily be dis- 

 tinguished, however, by the broad black stripe which 

 runs down the middle of the breast. The Great Tit 

 frequently attacks smaller birds, beating out their 

 brains with its powerful beak. See Plate 15, Fig, 84. 



The Coal Tit and the Crested Tit require to be 

 carefully sought, being of shy and retiring disposition. 

 The Coal Tit is met with in many of the less populated 

 districts throughout the British Islands, but the other 

 species mentioned is rarely seen except in Scotland. 

 See Plate 15, Figs. 80, 82. 



While Titmice are mainly insect-feeders, ripe pears 

 and apples prove an irresistible attraction, especially 

 for the Blue Tit, and on this accoxmt it is disliked by 

 fruit-growers. In spite of its depredations, however, 

 it is a most useful bird. 



The Long-tailed Tit is the smallest of the family, 

 and a very handsome little bird. In the art of nest- 

 building it is most skilful. Oval in shape, the nest is 

 covered on the outside with moss and lichens, and lined 

 with feathers. It is suspended from a branch usually 

 not far from the ground, and harmonises so perfectly 

 with its surroundings that even an expert nest-hunter 

 has difficulty in finding it. When sitting, the long 

 tail of the bird is turned over the back, so that beak 

 and tail often poke out of the doorway at the same 



