298 BRITAIN^S BIRDS AND THEIR NESTS. 

 THE COAL-TIT 



(Parus ater). 

 Plate 106. 



The Coal -Tit differs from the Great Tit in its smaller 

 size and in its lack of the black median line down the 

 breast and under-parts. The white on the nape of the 

 neck is a distinctive feature. 



This Tit is resident and common in suitable localities 

 throughout the British Isles, and is especially abundant 

 in Scotland. It is par excellence the Tit of the forest 

 depths, and is less often seen about gardens than are its 

 allies the Great and Blue Tits. Its feeding habits have 

 already been referred to. 



The nest is usually in a hole in a tree ; but a crevice 

 in a wall or bank, the foundations of a Crow''s nest, or 

 even the hole or burrow of a small mammal may at times 

 be used. Moss, wool, hair, feathers, and other soft materials 

 are employed. The seven to eleven eggs are white, with 

 reddish spots. 



Both the English and the scientific names refer to the 

 general darkness of the plumage, and there is no reason 

 why the former should be written * Cole,' as is so often 

 done. 



THE MARSH-TIT 



(Parus palustris). 



Plate 107. 



The Marsh-Tit's habits do not differ widely from those 

 of its allies, but it is rather partial to damp localities — 

 woods in the neighboiu'hood of marshes or along a river- 



