BIRDS OF DUMFRIESSHIRE 37 
Its method of progression below water has been remarked 
on by WilHam MacgilHvray, who says : " In August, 1834, 
while ascending White Coom [2,695 feet], the highest 
mountain in Dumfriesshire, .... a Dipper was hedged 
in, and the chase afforded another rare opportunity of 
viewing its subaqueous flight, which in all probability 
was caused by excessive alarm."* 
THE BRITISH LONG-TAILED TITMOUSE. 
Acredula caudata rosea (Blyth). 
Local names — Long-tailed Wren ; Bellringer ; Feather- 
Poke. 
A fairly numerous resident. 
The Long-tailed Titmouse is mostly in evidence in winter, 
when it consorts with other species of titmice in small parties, 
and may be seen busily flitting from tree to tree in search 
of insect-food. In early spring it ceases to be gregarious, 
and in April or May the nest is built, a favourite site being 
the common sloe. 
In 1834 the extensive woods about Raehills (Johnstone) are 
mentioned as favourite nesting-haunts, f and in 1853 these 
birds are recorded as breeding in abundance near Dalswintonf 
(Kirkmahoe). It is interesting to know that, according 
to Mr. J. Davidson, their nests are frequently met with 
there now. Sir William Jardine describes the nest as 
" woven among the branches of some evergreen, appearing 
rather large externally, but is beautifully patched over 
with the mosses and lichens furnished by the tree or shrub 
* Macgillivray, Hist. Brit Birds, 1839, Vol. II., p. 56. 
t New Stat. Acct. Scot., Vol. IV., p. 179. 
t Naturalist, 1853, p. 162. 
