BRITISH BIRDS. 4! 



50. Parus ater, Linn. CONTINENTAL COAL 



TITMOUSE. 



Hab. Europe (excepting British Islands) north to lat. 

 65 N. in Norway. Migrating from extreme north in 

 winter, when it straggles to Britain. 



This, the typical form, differs from that resident in 

 British Islands, in having back slate-grey, difference being 

 most marked in North-European specimens. Examples 

 have been obtained in Norfolk. 



51. P. ater britannieus (Sharpe and Dresser). 



BRITISH COAL TITMOUSE. 



Hab. British Islands, 



Male : head black ; nape white ; cheeks white ; throat 

 black ; mantle olive-brown ; rump with a buffish tinge ; 

 wings greyish-brown with pale margins ; greater and lesser 

 coverts tipped with white ; tail greyish-brown ; breast 

 whitish ; flanks pale fawn colour ; bill and tarsi brownish 

 black. Length 4' 20. Female: similar. Young: nape and 

 cheeks yellowish ; black on crown and throat less pure. 



Distributed throughout British Isles ; frequenting wood- 

 lands, but nowhere very abundant. Nest : placed in holes 

 in trees or walls or sometimes in banks ; composed of moss 

 wool, hair and feathers. Eggs : 5 to 9 ; white, sparingly 

 spotted with pale red ; size '61 by -46 ; laying commences 

 in April. The musical little song bears some resemblance 

 to the Great Tit's, but is much less loud and distinct. 

 When feeding utters a slight cheeping ; call note of male 

 a sharp chirp. In winter associates with other Titmice. 

 The bird is most partial to fir woods. 



52. Parus palustris dresseri, Stejn. MARSH 



TITMOUSE. 



Hab. British Islands. 

 Male : cap and nape black; cheeks dull white; chin and 



