TITMICE. 



(Feb. 9, 1889.) 



TITMICE are common in the inner suburbs of 

 London and by no means rare in the Parks, 

 Kensington Gardens especially being a favourite 

 haunt, and the fact that they are not more 

 generally known shows how little observation, at 

 least in matters ornithological, is possessed by the 

 average Londoner. Three species of the genus 

 Parus the Great-Tit, the Blue-Tit, and the Coal- 

 Tit may from time to time be seen, but the 

 second is by far the commonest, and is always 

 to be found where there are large gardens. All 

 three species are much alike in their ways and 

 habits, and are among the merriest and most 

 active of birds, being indeed perfect little winged 

 acrobats, to whom it is a matter of indifference, 

 when climbing about trees or shrubs, whether they 

 are hanging back downwards while clinging to 

 some slender twig or perched securely on a bough. 

 They are also extremely fearless of man, and while 

 busily engaged in searching for insects, their 

 favourite occupation, will allow of a very near 

 approach without apparent distrust. 



The blue-tit is, as we have said, the commonest 



