THE CRESTED TITMOUSE. 



Parus cristatus, Linnaeus. 

 Plate io. 



As a resident species the Crested Titmouse is confined to the natural pine 

 forests which cover the valley of the Spey in Scotland, although it has occurred 

 as a wanderer in other parts of that country. Several stray specimens have been 

 also recorded in England, while it has a wide range over Europe. 



Lord Lilford, in his work on British Birds, quoting a letter from Lieut.-Colonel 

 Irby, says : " The Crested Titmouse is common in the Spey district, where there 

 are old and decayed pine-trees, but is very local — found in one small valley and 

 absent in the next. A hole about eight inches deep and enlarged at the bottom is 

 excavated vertically in a rotten fir-stump or decayed alder, and the nest, which is 

 very scant, consists of moss lined with hair or felt ; the usual complement of eggs 

 is four." The eggs are generally laid about the end of April or beginning of May, 

 and are white, dotted with red. 



It feeds on insects, larvae, and berries. I have observed the bird in autumn 

 on one or two occasions in its Scottish haunts ; its actions and general bearing 

 much resembled those of the Blue Titmouse, and it allowed a near approach. 



The call-note is difficult to describe, but once heard, cannot be mistaken for 

 that of any other Titmouse. According to Mr. J. G. Millais, it has a twittering 

 note, like the call-note of the common Canary. 



The sexes are alike in colour. 



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