462 .BRITISH BIRDS. 



Genus PARUS. 



The genus Parus was established by Linnseus in 1766, in his ' Systema 

 Naturae/ i. p. 341. As Koch placed the Great Tit first upon his list, and 

 as it is also the first species mentioned in Brisson's genus Parus, it has 

 been universally recognized as the type, although the evidence for its being 

 so is not very satisfactory. The Tits included in the present genus may 

 be distinguished from the birds in allied genera (Panurus, Acredula) by 

 their nearly even and short tails. The wing is typical, and the bastard 

 primary is small. The nostrils are covered with feathers ; the bill is short 

 and stout ; the tarsus is scutellated ; and the feet are large and strong. 



The birds in the present genus are almost exclusively confined to 

 the northern hemisphere. They are principally found throughout the 

 Palsearctic, Nearctic, and Oriental Regions, only a few species occurring in 

 the Ethiopian Region. This genus contains upwards of sixty species and 

 subspecies, of which only twelve are found on the continent of Europe, 

 four of which are residents in our islands, and one an accidental visitor. 



The Tits are found in well-timbered districts, in gardens, woods, groves, 

 and orchards. They are restless, active birds, incessantly in motion, 

 searching the branches and twigs in every conceivable attitude for their 

 food. Their call-notes are usually harsh ; but some are not at all unmusical, 

 and, rapidly repeated, form their only attempt at song. Their food consists 

 of insects, small seeds, and, more rarely, flesh and other refuse found near 

 houses. Their nests are all either loosely made in holes of trees and walls, 

 or suspended from the branches, artfully woven, and domed, where the 

 sitting bird is hid entirely from view. Their eggs are numerous, from five 

 to twelve in number, pure white in ground-colour, spotted with reddish 

 brown or dark brown, but sometimes spotless. 



