fiUKA'l' TITMOTLSF. 



PASSE RES. 



479 



PA RfDyE. 



Parus aiAJOR, Linnaeus*. 

 THE GREAT TITMOUSE. 



Parus major. 



Parus, Linnceusf.— Bill moderate, strong, straight, rather conical, slightly- 

 compressed, upper mandible hardly longer than the lower, and not notched. 

 Nostrils basal, round, covered with reflected bristly feathers. Wings with ten 

 pi-imaries, the first short ; the second shorter than the ninth ; the third equal to 

 the seventh ; the fourth or fifih the longest. Tail moderate, even or slightly 

 rounded. Legs, with the tarsus moderate and scutellated ; feet strong, the an- 

 terior toes united to the second joint, the outer toe longer than the inner ; the 

 hind toe strong, and armed with a stout, hooked claw. 



Some of the species of the genus Parus are remarkable 

 for the beauty of their colours, and the well-clefxned character 

 of the markings, while others again present a very sombre 

 appearance; but all attract attention from their vivacity, 

 garrulity and ceaseless activity. They are indefatigable in 



* Syst. Nat. Ed. 12, i. p. 341 (176(i). t Tom. cit^ p. 340. 



