GREAT TIT. IO3 



GREAT TIT. 



Parus major ; Mesange Charbonnier ; Kohlmeise. 

 Blackcap ; Oxeye ; Tomtit ; Sawsharper. 



Bill, black ; legs and toes, brown ; crown of head, 

 black ; sides, white ; chin and throat, black, with broad 

 black line down the breast, which is yellowish-green ; 

 back, olive-green ; white bar on the wings. Length, six 

 inches. 



Although it is only by a stretch of charity that the 

 Tits can be included amongst our Song Birds, still their 

 cheerful and varied cries are so pleasant to hear, and 

 tend so much to enliven our woods and groves, and 

 even our town gardens, that I think it well to give a 

 brief notice of these very interesting birds. 



The word " Tit " is supposed by some to mean 

 " little," as in Titlark ; by others to be derived from the 

 Greek, titis^ a chirping bird. The word "mouse" is said 

 also to correspond with the French name, mesange; 

 it seems, however, most probable that the " Titmousen," 

 as they were formerly called, derived their names from 

 their small size, and their habits when searching for 

 food. It has been truly said of these little birds, that 

 there are none more interesting, and none more useful ; 

 the quantity of insects they destroy is almost incredible, 

 and their lively gestures, their wonderful activity, and 

 the amusing postures they assume, have led to their 

 being styled the acrobats and harlequins of the bird- 

 world. 



There are four members of the Paridce common in 



