BIRDS. 
113 
Common, but less so along the north coast, than on the 
' east coast, south of Wick as observed in 1885. 
Family PANURID-S. 
46. Panurus biarmicus (A). Bearded Reedling. 
Family "PARIBM. 
47. Acredula rosea (Blyih). Long-tailed Titmouse. 
Eesident and common, flocks being observed in winter in all 
the east coast straths we have visited at that season. 
Most frequently observed in winter, and apparently more 
abundant then ; this, however, as in the case of the cole tit 
may be, firstly, because the leaves being then off the trees 
the birds are more easily seen, and, secondly, that these 
birds then go in flocks. Sheriff Mackenzie informs us that 
this bird breeds- regularly in the birch-woods about Lairg. 
It is present also around Tongue in the north, but is 
reported as having decreased of late years, especially since 
the winter of 1878-79 (J. Crawford, 1884). Not observed 
hitherto in the west. Present in 1 885 at Bettyhill, in 
Strathnaver district, and Tongue (S. G. Keid). 
Two specimens were obtained by Mr. Keid of Wick in 
1882 : one near Lybster, and the other shot at Forss, parish 
of Latheron ; the latter preserved by Sergeant Sandison. 
48. Acredula caudata (L.). Continental Long-tailed Tit- 
mouse. 
49. Parus major, L. Great Titmouse, 
Very rare in the east ; one specimen in the Dunrobin Museum. 
Sheriff Mackenzie writes that he has never seen this bird 
about Dornoch. This species has however certainly been 
observed by us on one occasion near Loch Inver, in the 
west. It is as yet absent around Tongue. There are eggs 
purporting to be of this species in the Dunrobin Museum, 
but unfortunately there are no notes available regarding 
H 
