550 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on 



Coal-Titmouse, the bird witli Avliicli we are at present 

 chiefly concerned. It was important to obtain a repre- 

 sentative series of this bird from the various parts of 

 its range, so as to ascertain to what extent, if any, it 

 varied inter se, and whether examples of the British 

 Coal-Titmouse occurred in other parts of Ireland besides 

 Co. Down, where I had previously obtained specimens. 

 From Co. Donegal I have recently received several examples 

 of P. hibernicus. 



On laying out the series of Irish Titmice in geographical 

 oi'der, one is at once struck with their general similarity and 

 distinctive colouring, which enables one, even in their present 

 more or less faded condition, to distinguish them at a glance 

 from an equally large series of Coal-Titmice ranging over 

 Scotland and England, as well as from those mentioned 

 above as having been obtained in Co. Down. 



It is unfortunate that in P. hibernicus the yellow wash on 

 the sides of the head, nuidial spot, and breast, as well as the 

 cinnamon-colour of the sides and flanks, fades considerably 

 soon after the birds have been skinned, though some 

 specimens retain their colour better than others. No one 

 who has not seen these birds in the flesh can form any 

 idea of how distinct they really are and how bright their 

 coloration is. 



The most typical examples of P. hihernicus were obtained 

 in Roscommon, Cavan, and Fermanagh. 



Among the birds procured by Mr. Bishop there are a few 

 which approach typical examples of P. britannicus. One of 

 these was obtained near Dublin, three in Kerry, and 

 Mr. Ussher has recently sent me one from Waterford. 

 It seems probable that the British Coal-Titmouse visits 

 Ireland in winter, and some may possibly remain there to 

 breed, pairing with Irish birds. This would account for 

 the fact that among the large series collected there are 

 some examples which are not quite typical examples of 

 P. hibernicus. 



The fact that the British Coal-Titmouse also occurs ia 

 Ireland and is possibly resident in Co. Down led me at first 



