THE CRESTED TIT (_Lophophanes cristatus_) is mouse-coloured on the
upper portion of the body, and greyish white on the under side; the
slender graduated feathers that form the crest, the shafts of which
incline forward, are black edged with white; the region of the cheek is
white; a sickle-shaped stripe across the eyes is black, as is also a
line commencing at the nape and extending to the tail; the quills and
tail-feathers are dark greyish brown, with light edges. The eye is brown,
the beak black, with pale margins, and the feet dirty light blue. The
length of the body is five and its breadth eight inches; the female is
somewhat smaller than her mate. The crest of the young birds is not quite
so large, and the markings on their head more indistinct.
The Crested Tits are spread over Central Europe and North-western Asia,
where they principally frequent fir and pine forests, remaining almost
throughout the entire year in their native woods, only leaving their
shelter for a short time in the spring and autumn. During the winter
they associate freely with other species, and in their company fly about
in search of food. The song of the male is chirping and insignificant,
and during the breeding season is accompanied by a great variety of
gesticulation, and a constant display of the crest that adorns his head.
The nests are always placed in holes of trees, such as have a narrow
entrance being preferred, and are situated at various heights from the
ground, in some instances in the deserted dwellings of other birds or
of squirrels; the exterior is formed of bits of moss, or some similar
material, and lined with hair or wool of various kinds. The eggs, eight
to ten in number, are small and delicate, and of snowy white, spotted
with rust-red; both parents brood, and the young are hatched within a
fortnight, and are reared on small caterpillars. As soon as they are
able to support themselves, the old pair at once make preparations for a
second family.
[Illustration: THE LONG-TAILED TITMOUSE (_Orites caudatus_).]
Although rare in Great Britain, this species is abundant in all the
northern regions of Europe, frequenting places where juniper trees are
plentiful; it is common in Germany and the Alpine districts, and is
scarce in Holland.
Colonel Montague says, "It is not uncommon amongst the large tracts of
pines in the north of Scotland, particularly in the forest of Glenmore,
the property of the Duke of Gordon, from whence we have seen it," and Sir
William Jardine states that "this bird has been found in some plantations
not far distant from Glasgow, where it annually breeds."
It feeds on insects, berries, and the seeds of evergreens, and, according
to M. Temminck, builds in holes in trees, or walls.