178 # On the Ornithology of Wilts [Panda], 



to bough, in quest of insect food; careless whether they are hang- 

 ing beneath or climbing along, or running up or down the branch ; 

 hardy too, for they are all permanent residents here ; chattering, 

 and bold and familiar and pugnacious withal. The genus Parus 

 contains in all seven species, of which five are to be found abund- 

 antly in Wiltshire, the remaining two, the "Crested Tit," {Parus 

 cristatus) and the "Bearded Tit," (Parus biarmicus) being of very 

 rare occurrence in England, and no instance having reached me of 

 the appearance of either of them in this county. 



"Great Titmouse." (Parus major.) First in point of size, and 

 therefore at the head of the family, stands this well known bird, 

 whose peculiar markings and well contrasted colours render it un- 

 mistakeable. The black head, white cheeks, and yellow breast 

 parted down the middle by a broad black stripe, distinguish it 

 at once from all others. The Great Tit is to be found in every 

 wooded district, and it clears the buds and leaves of trees from an 

 incredible number of insects ; but it loves fruit as well, and being 

 somewhat bold, fierce, and bloodthirsty, will occasionally vary its 

 diet with the flesh of some dead bird, whose bones it picks with 

 wonderful skill. 



"Blue Titmouse." (Parus cmruleus.) Commonly called the 

 " Tom Tit," and as well known by its blue cap and pert appear- 

 ance, as by its lively active habits: like the Great Tit, its efforts 

 are directed not against the buds and blossoms, with which it is so 

 often charged, but against the larvae and eggs of the insect tribe, 

 which are therein deposited in incredible quantities, and which 

 these useful little birds seek out and consume: it is for its size, the 

 most bold and pugnacious of the feathered race, and will attack 

 and sometimes kill birds considerably larger and heavier than it- 

 self. It is so constantly before our eyes, that I need say no more 

 of its appearance or habits. 



" Cole Titmouse." (Parus ater.) Not so common as the two last 

 species, but generally distributed, and of similar habits: it closely 

 resembles in appearance the Marsh Tit, next to be described, both 

 having black heads, white cheeks, and greyish olive-green backs, 

 but the Cole Titmouse may at once be recognized by the irregular 



