J , : SKETCHES OF BIRD LIFE. 



sist of moss, wool, and hair, some thistle-down or 

 willow-down being occasionally added. 



The eggs are characteristic of the genus Parus, 

 being small and white, sparsely spotted with red, 

 chiefly at the larger end. Being liable to variation, 

 and closely resembling those of the Coal Tit and 

 Blue Tit, they become indistinguishable in a large 

 series, although a practised eye will doubtless dis- 

 criminate them with little hesitation. The eggs of 

 the Coal Tit are generally smaller and the markings 

 more minute than those of the Marsh Tit. The 

 only way to procure authentic specimens of the eggs 

 of any of the Paridce is to find the nest, and identify 

 the owners of it by watching their entrance and exit. 



Although by far the most usual site for the nest 

 of the Marsh Tit is a hole in some tree, this is not 

 invariably the locality selected ; for the nest is some- 

 times found near the ground on a willow-stump, and 

 instances have been noted of its being built on the 

 stump of an oak or an elm tree. In the cases 

 referred to the site was well concealed by moss, 

 herbage, and underwood. 



Some difference of opinion has been expressed 

 by naturalists with regard to the excavating powers 



