232 INSESSORES. PARUS. 



Subfamily PARIANA. 



The Titmice (or typical members of the genus Parun), 

 from the increasing strength and subconic form of the bill, 

 were generally placed by the earlier systematists in imme- 

 diate connection with the Fringillidce^ and other members of 

 the Conirostral tribe. A stricter analysis, however, satis- 

 factorily shews, that they more nearly approximate to the 

 Sylv'iadcB, and that, in the natural arrangement, they form 

 an aberrant circle with other closely allied genera in that in- 

 teresting family. In Mr Vigors'* " Arrangement of the ge- 

 nera of Birds," they are stationed amongst the Pipi'idce, his 

 fifth family of the Dentirostral tribe, and answering to 

 Swainson's AmpelidcB. But although a strong affinity un- 

 doubtedly exists between the true Titmice and the genera 

 Pipra, Linn., and Pardaloh/s, Vieill., it is only such an 

 affinity as is necessary to sustain the connection between 

 the two groups ; and I therefore consider, that the proper 

 and natural station of the Titmice, is that assigned to them 

 by Mr Swainson. 



To this subfamily, as aberrant forms, belong the members 

 of the genus Accentor- (Bechst.), and perhaps that of Seiii- 

 rus (Swains.), both of which possess great interest, as the 

 mediums of connection with other and more distant tribes. 

 Its propinquity to the preceding subfamilies Ph'ilomel'ma 

 and Sylviana, is supported by the genera Sylvicola and Se- 

 tophaga of Swainsox. 



Genus PARUS, Linn. TITMOUSE. 



GENERIC CHARACTERS. 



Bill strong, short, subconical, slightly compressed, sharp- 

 pointed, and hard; notch almost effaced. Nostrils basal and 

 round, covered with reflected bristlv feathers. Feet, with 



