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is perhaps the commonest of its genus, and is, as Mr. Robert Gray informs us, especially plentiful 
around the shores of Loch Lomond. In autumn and winter large accessions to their numbers 
take place; but this is more remarkable in some years than in others. After long-continued 
snow-storms these sprightly little birds may be seen feeding in considerable numbers on the 
ground around the holes and underneath the branches of fir trees in company with other Titmice, 
or diligently threading their way amongst the lower branches along with the Golden-crested Wren 
(Regulus cristatus). Generally in winter, during and after severe weather, they do not search for 
their food so much amongst the higher branches as at other seasons, but seem to confine their 
attention for the most part to those which are in closer proximity to the ground. The Cole Tit 
is a common species in the fir-woods around Roschall, as also in other fir- and pine-woods and 
plantations throughout the eastern portion of the county, but, as far as my own observation goes, 
seems to avoid the birch-woods much more than does its congener, the Blue Tit. In Caithness 
it is rare, according to Messrs. Shearer and Osborne, who observed it in that county in the spring 
and autumn of 1862, apparently for the first time. Doubtless, however, the Cole Tit is one of 
those sylvan species which will extend their northern distribution in Scotland as pine- and fir- 
plantations increase.” 
In its habits this species is full of life and active in all its motions, rivalling the Common 
Bluecap in the attitudes it assumes when in search of its food, clinging to the twigs and 
branches with the greatest ease, often head downwards, and in every kind of position. Its note 
is clear and shrill—if any thing, more melodious than the call of its congeners, and often sounds 
pleasant to the wanderer who passes through the gloomy solitude of the dense pine-woods, the 
silence of which is scarcely broken except by the note of the cheery Titmouse or the low feeble 
call of the Golden-crested Wren. Its flight is short and even, but laboured and somewhat weak, 
consisting of a succession of short, even jerks. It seldom appears to undertake a flight of any 
extent, but passes from tree to tree, confining itself chiefly to the woods. 
The Coal Titmouse places its nest in a hole in the trunk or large branch of a tree, the nest 
itself being composed of a thick layer of moss and fine grass, and well lined with hair and wool. 
It does not, however, always choose the above-named place for the purpose of nidification, but it 
occasionally places its nest in a hole in the ground. In a letter from Mr. J. H. Gurney, jun., 
this gentleman informs us that he knows of an instance of the nest being built a foot below the 
surface, in a hole in the ground; and Mr. Stevenson, in his excellent work on the birds of 
Norfolk, also refers to the same peculiarity as regards the place selected for the purpose of 
nidification. It generally takes possession of some hole, when it breeds in a tree, and fashions it 
till it is suitable for its purpose. ‘The chips it carries away, so as to avoid detection; and in 
writing to us respecting this, our friend Mr. George Dawson Rowley states as follows :—“<I have 
myself observed a case where every chip the birds took out of the hole made for the nest had 
been carried to the top of a pollard tree to prevent discovery; in this respect the species displays 
a marked contrast to the English Woodpeckers, who scatter their chips all round without the 
least concern.” 
The eggs of the Coal Titmouse, from six to nine, and sometimes even more in number, are 
pure white in colour, spotted and marked, chiefly at the larger end, with bright red, and measure 
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from 7% by 45 to +§ by +8. This species is very prolific; and Mr. J. Ranson, writing in the 
