THE BLUE TIT. I35 



the place of the Blue Tit is taken by allied species, such as 

 P. ultramarinus, and in the Canaries and Madeira by other 

 forms, P. tenerifftz, &c. 



HaMts. — The lively little Blue Tit, or Blue-cap, as the bird 

 is called in many parts of the country, is perhaps the best 

 known of the family, and is no stranger to the dweller in 

 London, as it is not only to be seen in the parks, but also in 

 the gardens of the west-end of the town. We have even seen 

 a Blue Tit in Russell Square, close to the British Museum, in 

 Bloomsbury, on more than one occasion. Its note is one of 

 the invariable attractions of a walk in early spring, for although 

 it is not varied to any great extent, it is so clear and like the 

 tinkling of a little bell, that its cheeriness is infectious. It is 

 at this season of the year that numbers of the birds are shot, 

 for it is supposed to devour numbers of the buds of gooseberry 

 and other bushes and fruit-trees ; and that a good deal of 

 damage is done is unquestionable, though it is also said 

 that the Tits pull the buds to pieces in their search for insects, 

 and not from any wanton love of destruction or from any 

 desire for the buds themselves. During the winter season 

 the Blue Tits form family parties, or attach themselves 

 to the roving squadrons of Creepers, Nuthatches, and other 

 kinds of Tits which frequent the woods. Although generally 

 subsisting on insects, the Blue Tit will feed on almost anything, 

 and will hammer out a hole of considerable size in a pear or other 

 fruit-tree, while it is amusing to see the little bird assault a seed 

 or any hard substance, which it generally holds between its feet, 

 and pegs away at it vigorously. In the defence of its nest and 

 voung it is a plucky bird, raising its crest and hissing and biting 

 furiouslv ; indeed, if the old bird be taken off the nest, it is 

 wonderful with what tenacity it will hang on to the hand of the 

 aggressor. 



Nest. — A rough structure of moss and grass, but warmly 

 lined with feathers, placed in the hole of a tree or of a wall, 

 while sometimes the bird selects a hole in the ground. The 

 entrance is always very small, even for the tiny size of the bird. 

 The way in which the numerous progeny contrive to pack 

 themselves away in the nest is as wonderful as the skill with 

 which the indefatigable little parents manage to bring them up. 



