THE GREAT TIT, 111 



The bird is also known as the Titmouse, and again as the 

 Oxeye, and generally builds its nest in a hole in the stump of 

 a tree or wall, although very erratic in its choice, instances 

 having occurred of their building in a water-can or some 

 such receptacle that is capable of being removed. The 

 nest, which is built somewhat early in spring, is formed of 

 moss, lined with hair and feathers, and, in the case of a 

 large cavity being selected, a great mass of materials are 

 gathered together. The eggs vary greatly in number, 

 usually from six to nine ; they are white in colour, but 

 are largely spotted and speckled with pale red. As 

 there is generally a large nest of young, extra food must 

 necessarily be found by the parent birds, and since this 

 consists mostly of insects, the Great Tit, at such times 

 especially, is of great service to the gardener and farmer. 

 The plumage of the young is somewhat similar to that of 

 the parents, but duller in colour. 



The flight is much stronger than would be imagined, 

 although they seldom put it to the test, being bold birds, 

 and, if disturbed, generally contenting themselves with 

 flying from tree to tree. That is also their usual mode of 

 progression, each tree being in their course diligently 

 searched for insects, &c. 



The song of the Great Tit is not unlike that of the 

 Wryneck, but is most nearly represented by the phrase 

 " pinker, pinker/' several times repeated in a clear, pealing 

 tone. This song is uttered again and again as the bird 

 proceeds from tree to tree, and is repeated by its com- 

 rades in answer. They may be heard very early in the 

 spring, long before the leaves are upon the trees. 



As before mentioned, this bird is common in almost all 

 the wooded and inclosed districts of England and Wales, 



