INTRODUCTION. 5 



whereabouts is soon made known by its loud call, 

 which varies according to the season of the year, 

 and at times is not unlike the noise produced by 

 sharpening a saw. Of its habits we shall have 

 more to say anon. 



Scarcely less beautiful in colour is the little 

 Blue Tit, whose delicate plumage of ultramarine 

 distinguishes it readily from all others of its kind. 

 The Coal Titmouse, with its black head and white 

 nape, is less demonstrative and vociferous than 

 either of the two just mentioned ; but like them 

 it loves company, and may often be seen with 

 them hunting for insects on the same bough. 

 The most unassuming of all the family is the little 

 Marsh Tit, whose sombre garb contrasts strongly 

 with the brighter plumage of its congeners. In 

 general coloration it is not unlike the Coal Tit- 

 mouse, but may be readily distinguished by the 

 absence of the white spot which is so conspicuous 

 on the nape of the latter species. 



Amongst the various glimpses of bird-life to be 

 obtained in the woods, there are few prettier sights 

 than a family party of Long-tailed Tits, when, un- 

 conscious of man's presence, they approach within a 



