132 THE LIVING ANIMALS OF THE WORLD 
Whether the Reedlings, or 
Bearded Tits, as they are generally 
called, are really true titmice or 
peculiarly modified buntings is a 
moot-point. There is but one species, 
which is British, though found also 
on the Continent ; but it is un- 
fortunately becoming more and more 
rare every }’ear. The general colour 
of the upper-parts is cinnamon- 
rufous, except the head, which is 
pearly grey: between the bill and 
the eyes hangs a tuft of long black 
feathers ; hence the name Bearded 
Tit. The under-parts are white, 
tinged with yellow and pink, whilst 
the wings are variegated with white, 
black, and red. This tit lives in beds 
of reeds fringing the “ broads ” of the 
eastern counties of England, though 
even there it is now exceedingly rare. 
The same uncertainty that obtains 
with regard to the position of the 
Reedlings confronts the ornithologist 
with regard to the affinities of the 
liliputian Gold-CRESTS. About six 
species are known, from the northern and temperate parts of the Old and New Worlds, extending 
as far south in the latter as Mexico. Two occur in Britain : one, known simply as the GOLD- 
CREST, or Golden-crested Wren, is fairly common ; the other, the Fire-crest, or Fire-crested 
Wren, is much rarer, but differs very little from its relative in general appearance. 
The Gold-crest is olive-green above, yellowish grey below, with a conspicuous crest of 
bright yellow and orange, banded on each side by two black lines. It has the distinction 
of being the smallest British bird ; and it is partly on account of its smallness, and partly 
owing to its shy, retiring habits, seeking concealment among the foliage, that it is so seldom 
seen, save by those who know where to look for it; and these may find it all the year round 
in suitable places. 
In the spring this bird may be observed suspended in the air for a considerable time over 
a bush or flower, singing very melodiously, though few naturalists have ever witnessed this 
display. Mr. W. H, Hudson, one of these few, writes: “ I have observed the male, in the love- 
season, hovering just above the bush, in the topmost foliage of which its mate was perched 
and partly hidden from view. It is when engaged in this pretty aerial performance, or love- 
dance, that the golden-crested wren is seen at his best. The restless, minute, sober-coloured 
creature, so difficult to see properly at other times, then becomes a conspicuous and exceedingly 
beautiful object; it hovers on rapidly vibrating wings, the body in an almost vertical position, 
but the head bent sharply down, the eyes being fixed on the bird beneath, while the wide open 
crest shines in the sun like a crown or shield of fiery yellow. When thus hovering, it does 
not sing, but emits a series of sharp, e.xcited chirping sounds.” 
The nest is a singularly beautiful structure, made of fine, dry grass, leaves, moss, and 
spiders’ webs, woven closely together, lined with feathers, and suspended like a hammock 
beneath a branch of yew or fir. In this are laid from six to ten eggs of a pale yellowish 
white, spotted and blotched with reddish brown. 
The numbers of British gold-crests are vastly increased by the arrival on the eastern 
yhoio by y. T*, Newman 
MARSH-TIT SEARCHING FOR INSECTS 
Thi marsh-tit may be distinguished from its alf , the coal-tit, by the absence of 
’white on the nape of the neck 
