C R E S T E D TIT.
VARUS CRISTATUS.
1 UAVE only met wiili this species among the forests in the neighbouring si of the Spey. As :i rule they
frequent the pine-woods; hut I have occasionally noticed a few in the phintations of hireh thai are found im
the low grounds or straggling some distance up the mountain-sides. There Is little in their habits or actions,
or, indeed, in their ap|(earance at a certain distaucu, to distinguish them from their relatival the Coal Tils.
Uoth frequent the same forests, and gain their living in much the same manner.
I n their natire woods they ant by no BMSUM unconiiuon; but, owing to the presence of other small birds,
such as Cual and Blue Tits, as well as Gold-tns-ts and Willow-Wrens, whose movements among the branches
while constantly changing their pusilious are somewhat similar, they are not easy to identify. If one is
anxious to ¡rain a sight of this species, and continues wandering from place to place through Hie woods, it is
possible that a considerable amount of ground may be traversed l>cfore tin; wish is gratified. When keeping
quiet fur any length of lime, either resting, lunching, or more particularly while lying in wait for birds tit
prey, I have repeatedly observed that it was seldom many minutes elapsed before one or two made their
ap]iearance. They seem of a fearless or even an inquisitive dispositiuu, and wdl now and then approach
within a few feet in order to make a close inspection.
The r í a t e shows the female and the youug birds a day or two after quitting the nest. I watched the
brood for some hours, and consequently had a good op|iortuuity of ascertaining the manner in which they
procured their food. I first discovered the family party in the topmost branches of some large Sotch firs.
The female was busily employed in hunting for food amung the old stems of the juniper bushes which grew
in profusion all round. As soon as a mouthful was procured she Hew up to the young ones, who eonliuu'd
calling anil hopping from branch tu branch, but made no attempt to follow her while searching for their bod.
As well as I could judge, she collected small insects, such as moths and Hies or minute caterpillars, that were
abundant among the cover. The male was absent for some hours; and this whole care of pixmding for the
family of six young appeared to devolve on the female.
There is Utile or no difference, between (he male and female in this species.