great tit-mouse—the largest British tit-mouse—bears a close general 
resemblance to the smaller species, but is readily distinguished, 
not only by its greater size, but by the broad band of black running 
down the abdomen. Its flight, as of all the tit-mice, is weak, and 
as it were, uncertain, confined to short passages from tree to tree. 
The coal tit-mouse and the marsh tit-mouse are seldom recognized 
as distinct species, by the novice. They are very soberly coloured 
little birds, the coal-tit being of an olive-grey, tinged with olive- 
buff, while the sides of the body are buff: the head and throat 
are black, relieved by a broad patch of white on each side and down 
the nape of the neck. The marsh-tit is, to all intents and 
purposes, of the same coloration, but differs conspicuously in 
lacking the white patches. The tiny longtailed-titmouse cannot 
possibly be mistaken for any other bird. Its delicate hues of 
pink and grey, and extremely long tail, make comparisons with 
any other species unnecessary. 
Where, during the winter, small birds are tempted to come to 
a tray of nuts and seeds, placed outside the window, that charm- 
ing little bird the nuthatch—a near relation of the titmice—will 
commonly be among the guests. It cannot be mistaken for any 
other British bird, its form and coloration being, alike, distinctive. 
Its upper parts are of a delicate blue-grey, its under parts buff, 
passing into chestnut on the flanks. The throat is white, while 
there is a black line from the beak to the eye, and beyond, spread- 
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