ioo SKETCHES OF BIRD LIFE. 



In size and general appearance it closely re- 

 sembles the Coal Titmouse, but may be readily dis- 

 tinguished from it by the absence of the white spot 

 on the nape which is so conspicuous in the latter bird. 



In its distribution it is much more local than the 

 other species of Parus, and is not commoner (as its 

 name would seem to imply) in the fenlands than 

 elsewhere. There is perhaps hardly a county in 

 England where it has not been observed, although 

 it is nowhere reported to be numerous. In Scot- 

 land it is much rarer, although believed to be 

 gradually extending its range northwards ; while in 

 Ireland it is hardly known at all, having been 

 observed on rare occasions in three counties only. 



In regard to its habits and food, the Marsh Tit- 

 mouse appears to be less omnivorous than the last 

 named, deriving sustenance chiefly, though not 

 exclusively, from insects, in its search for which it 

 is very assiduous. In the autumn and winter 

 months, however, when insect-life is scarce, it has 

 been observed to live upon small seeds. It is 

 resident with us throughout the year, and does not 

 appear to shift its quarters much, although Messrs. 

 Gurney and Fisher have remarked the abundance 



