182 
BEARDED TITMOUSE. 
three species had been known, it is probable there 
would have been no difference of opinion. In 
the Long-tailed Titmouse we found no great 
difference in the structure except the elongated 
tail ; the habits agreed with those of the other 
pari. In our present bird we have the elongated 
tail, but we have in addition a differently formed 
wing. Tlie feet are lengthened and slender, and 
the bill differs somewhat in form. The habits 
of the birds are entirely aquatic ; they delight in 
reed brakes, where they shew a similarity of 
manners in climbing about them in search of a 
part of their food, which consists, in a great 
measure, of molusca, particularly succinea and 
pupa ; and for the digestion of these the stomach 
assumes the muscular form of a gizzard.* They 
build a nest of a cup shape, or ordinary form, 
raised a short way above the ground, and com- 
posed of the flag leaves and strong bents. 
From the structure of the feet, we should say 
that it was a bird which was frequently on the 
ground, and whence they have probably received 
the title of “ Reed pheasant." One which we ob- 
served in the Earl of Derby’s magnificent aviary, 
was most active, hopping like a sparrow, picking 
up grain, (oats,) and appearing from its manners 
to be quite at home. We have added woodcuts 
of the bill and wing, and a comparison of these 
and our description with those at page 166 will 
explain the principal distinctions. 
In other parts of their manners they exhibit 
* Yarrell. 
