X THE GBEAT TIT. 



Parus major. 



ARGEST of its tribe, this bird is 

 both handsome and interesting. 

 Though much more common 

 than is supposed, since it 

 generally frequents wooded 

 districts, it is very apt to 

 escape the eyes of casual ob- 

 servers. When seen, however, 

 its very handsome appearance 

 and sprightly habits at once 

 attract attention. The plu- 

 mage of the adult male es- 

 pecially is very striking, the top 

 of the head being purple-blacks 

 the cheeks and ear-coverts 

 white, the back, shoulders, and 

 most of the upper part 

 greenish ash-colour, the wings 

 bluish-black edged with white, 

 especially the lesser wing- 

 coverts, which latter form a 

 bar ; the tail is also bluish- 

 black; the chin and throat are 

 black, which colour unites with 

 that upon the back of the head, 



