364 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



Habits. 



In its nest, and all that concerns the Bearded Titmouse, a 

 protective colour may readily be traced. The old cock's black 

 moustaches (which in Mongolian specimens are narrower) are 

 like the dark chinks in the reeds, while his tawny colouring 

 harmonises with the brown tints of autumn, and in spring there 

 is a bloom on his freshly moulted plumage which goes well 

 with the bursting into leaf of all around. Nowhere is the blend 

 of nature's harmony better seen than in the flowers, insects, and 

 birds of the broads, where everything suits its surroundings. 



It has been said that these moustaches, from which the bird 

 takes its name, are movable, and that their play gives a peculiar 

 animation to the bird's expression, and it is likely enough that 

 during courtship and before the breeding season this is so. They 

 are composed of a considerable number of feathers, and, though 

 wanting in the hen, there is a perceptible lengthening in her 

 corresponding feathers, which are white. 



A more beautiful object than a cock Bearded Tit in April, 

 clinging tail uppermost to a tall reed stem gently waved by 

 each gust of wind, it is difficult to imagine. Except in the 

 vicinity of their nests, or when curiosity gets the better of 

 them, they are shy and inclined to hide, but by their nests they 

 give every opportunity for inspection as they flit across one 

 mown space after another, betraying by their very anxiety the 

 eggs which they wish to conceal. 



They become still more unsuspecting when they have young, 

 care for which causes many a bird to defy danger; yet they have 

 much of that strange sense which we call instinct, and which tells 

 them to creep to their well-hidden domicile, rather than fly to it 

 in the presence of the enemy. 



If there is any wind, they are not likely to show themselves, 

 and this has been noticed in South Russia, for a wind which is 

 enough to wave the tops of the reeds is enough to keep the Tits 

 at the bottom. But when all is quiet they venture to the 

 reed-tops, and, when concealed for a shot at Wild Duck, one 

 has in this way sometimes the delight of being surrounded by an 

 inquisitive little flock, and this is the time to study their engaging 

 and active ways. 



The flight of the Bearded Tit may be described as laboured, 



