BRITISH BIRDS. 



209 



THE MARSH TITMOUSE. 



BLACK-CAPPED TITMOUSE. 



v Parus Palustris, Linn. Mesange nonncttc, Temm.) 



LENGTH somewhat short of five inches. Bill 

 black; the whole crown of the head, and part of 

 the neck behind, deep black; a broad streak, of a 

 yellowish white, passes from the beak, underneath 

 the eye, backwards ; throat black : breast, belly, and 

 sides dirty white ; back ash-grey ; quill feathers 

 dusky, with pale edges : tail dusky ; legs dark 

 lead grey. 



The Marsh Titmouse is said to be fond of wasps, 

 bees, and other insects, and to lay up a little store 

 of seeds against a season of want. It frequents 

 marshy places, whence it derives its name. Its 

 manners are similar to those of the Coal Titmouse, 

 and it is equally prolific. 



VOL. 



2 D 



