The SIBERIAN TIT (_Parus Sibericus_) is, like the last-mentioned species,
an inhabitant of the most northern parts of Europe and Asia. The upper
surface of this bird is of a deep ash-colour, tinged on the back with
brown; the quills, secondaries, and tail-feathers edged with white;
throat black; cheeks and upper part of the chest pure white; under
parts greyish white, washed with rufous on the flanks; bill and tarsi
lead-colour.
The Siberian Tit is exceedingly rare in Europe. It migrates in winter to
some of the provinces of Russia, and has been found in Sweden.
Mr. Lloyd informs us that it is plentiful in Lapland; that the greater
portion are stationary all the year round; and that at Mauno, in latitude
68° 35´, it is almost the only bird to be found during the winter.
"The Siberian Titmouse," says M. Malm, "is not only most fearless, but
possessed of an extraordinary degree of curiosity, and I have often had
the greatest enjoyment in watching its movements. On one occasion I stood
for half an hour under a thick spruce pine tree, on the look-out for one
of these birds, which I heard chattering in the branches above me, but
without being able to get sight of it. At length, however, it left its
perch on the top of the tree, and, to my great astonishment, as I was
still standing at the foot of the same tree, with the gun under my arm,
it descended with the rapidity of an arrow, and took post on the barrel,
near the muzzle! Here it remained a long while, and it was not till I had
driven it away with my hand that I was enabled to shoot it.
"On another occasion, when out for the purpose of shooting, my gun being
charged with large shot, I met with a Siberian Titmouse; and, whilst
occupied in changing the shot, it came so very near me that I was
enabled, without difficulty, to knock it down with the ramrod of my gun.
This bird makes its nest in a hollow pine tree. The under portion of it
consists of moss, which, without any kind of arrangement, is stuffed into
the hole. Above this again, is a good portion of the hair of the lemming;
at times, indeed, pieces of the skin of that animal. The eggs, which are
from seven to nine in number, are white, and marked with light red spots
and blotches. In shape they resemble those of the Common Creeper."