310 BRITISH BIRDS' NESTS. 



of the tail are much graduated in length, those in 

 the centre being about an inch and three-quarters 

 longer than those on the sides. Cheeks and ear- 

 coverts white, the latter mixed with grey. Chin, 

 throat, breast, belly, and under-parts greyish-white, 

 tinged with purplish-red on the sides, flanks, vent, 

 and under tail-coverts ; legs, toes, and claws almost 

 black. 



The female is somewhat similar, with the excep- 

 tion of her head, which has more black upon it ; 

 however, both sexes are subject to variation in the 

 intensity of coloration, 



Situation and Locality. In whitethorn hedges, 

 sloe, gorse, and wild rose bushes. I have a specimen 

 taken from a bramble bush, which is very similar 

 to a bottle. Oar illustration is from a photo- 

 graph of a nest situated in a low, thick hedge 

 near London. It is found in nearly all suitable 

 localities throughout the British Isles. 



Materials. Moss, lichens, wool, spiders' webs, 

 cunningly felted together, and skilfully formed into 

 an oval-shaped nest, which is plentifully lined with 

 feathers and securely fastened to its surroundings. 



Eggs. Seven to ten ; as many as twenty have 

 been found, but such a number was undoubtedly 

 the production of two hens. White or rosy-white 

 until blown, by reason of the yolk showing through 

 the delicate shell, with very small, faint red or 

 reddish-brown spots, sometimes collected round the 

 larger end, at others sparingly scattered over the 

 entire surface ; occasionally without spots altogether. 

 Size about -57 by -44 in. The smaller number of 

 spots, the character and situation of the nest, and 

 the appearance of the parent birds readily identify 

 the eggs of this Tit. 



Time. March, April, May, and June. 



