GREAT TIT. 359 



SOME of the various species of the genus Parus, or the 

 Titmice, as they have been very generally called, are 

 remarkable for the beauty of the colours of their plumage, 

 and the well-defined character of the markings ; these 

 birds also attract attention from their vivacity and in- 

 cessant activity. They are indefatigable in their search 

 for food ; and being fearless in disposition, may be readily 

 observed climbing the trunks of trees, or by the aid of 

 their strong toes, and hooked claws hanging suspended 

 from the under surface of branches, while examining every 

 cavity, leaf, or bud, that is likely to afford shelter to any 

 of their numerous insect prey. These birds exhibit several 

 peculiarities common to different groups of the dentirostral 

 division. The Great Tit, so called, and placed first in 

 the series, because the largest in size, will frequently kill 

 small birds, accomplishing his purpose by repeated blows 

 of his hard and sharp beak on the skull of the victim, and 

 afterwards picking out and eating the brains. Though 

 more truly a feeder on insects, the Great Tit, unlike 

 insectivorous birds in general, does not migrate, but re- 

 mains all the year in the same district, apparently un- 

 affected by the very different temperature of Italy as com- 

 pared with Eussia, and the species is known to be con- 

 stantly resident in both countries. 



In England the Great Tit is seldom seen on bleak open 

 ground, but inhabits woods, the vicinity of gardens, or other 

 enclosed and sheltered situations in summer, where it occa- 

 sionally feeds on small seeds. In winter it approaches 

 nearer the habitations of men, and may be seen in hard 

 weather closely examining the thatch of old buildings in 

 search of the many small flies that harbour there. As 

 the Great Tit is an early breeder, the lively chirping 

 notes of the male are heard early in February ; sometimes 



