240 INSESSORES. PARUS. TITMOUSE. 



suaded that this erroneous supposition could only have been 

 entertained by so distinguished a naturalist, from not having 

 had the opportunity of seeing both the species in a living 

 state, or of comparing their respective habits. Their notes, 

 and peculiar markings, differ from the earliest period of 

 age*. 



Nest, &c. The nest of the Cole Titmouse is usually built in the ca- 

 vity of some decayed stump of a tree ; but I have sometimes 

 found it placed on the ground, in the entrance of a mouse or 

 mole hole. It is formed of moss and wool, with a lining of 

 hair. The eggs are white, spotted with reddish-brown ; and 

 in number from six to eight. 



This species occurs throughout Europe, particularly in 

 parts abounding in forests of pine, and other evergreens. 



PLATE 51. Fig. 3. Natural size. 



General Bill black. Crown of the head, and nape of the neck, 

 black; the latter with a central white spot. Cheeks 

 and sides of the neck white. Throat and under part 

 of the neck black. Back and scapulars greenish-grey, 

 passing upon the rump into yellowish-grey. Wings 

 and tail grey ; the coverts of the former tipped with 

 ash-grey. Under parts greyish-white. Legs and toes 

 bluish-grey. 

 The female resembles the male bird. 



* See MONTAGU, who, in the second volume of the Ornith. Diet, has 

 clearly exhibited the distinctive characters of the two species. 



