COLE TITMOUSE 



COLE TITMOUSE. COLEMOUSE. 



PLATE XXXI. 

 Parus atcr, 



THE nest is placed in a hole of a tree, and, according 

 to Mr. Hewitson, at a less height from the ground than 

 that of the other Titmice, even in the hollows about the 

 roots ; sometimes in the hole of a wall, or of a bank, or in 

 that of a mouse, rat, or mole ; it is made up of moss, wool, 

 hair, fur, and feathers. This bird, like the Oxeye, and doubt- 

 less others of its race, will enlarge a hole for its accommo- 

 dation by removing the pulverised particles of wood which 

 have partially filled or lined it. 



The eggs, from six to eight in number, are, like those of 

 its fellows, white spotted with light red : some have a tinge 

 of yellowish. 



Incubation lasts about a fortnight, the male and female 

 sitting by turns ; the young are fed principally with cater- 

 pillars. Two broods are hatched in the year, of which the 

 first is fledged in May. 



