CRESTED TIT. 
PAWS CRIST AT US. 
I have only met with this species among the forests in the neighbourhood of the Spey. As a rule they 
frequent the pine-woods; hut I have occasionally noticed a few in the plantations of birch that are found on 
the low grounds or straggling some distance up the mountain-sides. There is little in their habits or actions, 
or, indeed, in their appearance at a certain distance, to distinguish them from their relatives the Coal Tits. 
Both frequent the same forests, and gain their living in much the same manner. 
In their native woods they are by no means uncommon ; but, owing to the presence of other small birds, 
such as Coal and Blue Tits, as well as Gold-crests and Willow- Wrens, whose movements among the branches 
while constantly changing their positions are somewhat similar, they are not easy to identify. If one is 
anxious to gain a sight of this species, and continues wandering from place to place through the woods, it is 
possible that a considerable amount of ground may be traversed before the wish is gratified. When keeping 
quiet for any length of time, either resting, lunching, or more particularly while lying in wait for birds of 
prey, I have repeatedly observed that it was seldom many minutes elapsed before one or two made their 
appearance. They seem of a fearless or even an inquisitive disposition, and will now and then approach 
within a few feet in order to make a close inspection. 
The Plate shows the female and the young birds a day or two after quitting the nest. I watched the 
brood for some hours, and consequently had a good opportunity of ascertaining the manner in which they 
procured their food. I first discovered the family party in the topmost branches of some large Scotch firs. 
The female was busily employed in hunting for food among the old stems of the juniper bushes which grew 
in profusion all round. As soon as a mouthful was procured she flew up to the young ones, who continued 
calling and hopping from branch to branch, but made no attempt to follow her while searching for their food. 
As well as I could judge, she collected small insects, such as moths and flies or minute caterpillars, that were 
abundant among the cover. The male was absent for some hours ; and the whole care of providing for the 
family of six young appeared to devolve on the female. 
There is little or no difference between the male and female in this species. 
