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2 
P. violaceus of Bolle is synonymous. On comparison with Algerian examples there is one difference 
which is noticeable; and that is the almost entire absence of the white tips to the greater wing-coverts 
and secondaries in the insular birds: this is a character strongly developed in specimens from Algeria 
and Tangiers, and if proved to be constant would be almost sufficient to separate them specifically. 
As, however, none of the Teneriffe specimens are entirely without white edgings to these feathers, 
though they are very feebly developed in all three birds obtained by Mr. Godman, we must await the 
inspection of a larger series before deciding on the specific distinctness of the two birds. Parus teneriffe 
being the oldest name of the species, we have described Canarian specimens. 
Comparison with the Blue Titmouse. 'The whole tone of coloration, when compared with that of the Blue 
Titmouse, is darker and richer; and the grey back and intense blue of the crown of the head readily 
distinguish it at a glance. 
Tuis pretty little species takes the place of the Common Blue Titmouse on the southern shores 
of the Mediterranean, but it does not possess nearly so extended a range as its well-known 
congeners. As at present determined, it is only an inhabitant of Algeria and Morocco, but, as 
above demonstrated, it also occurs in the Canaries. In Algeria, it has been sent from the 
province of Bone by Ledoux; and Loche procured it in the neighbourhood of Milianah; while 
Mr. Gurney has obtained it near Algiers, and Mr. Salvin found it abundant in the Eastern 
Atlas. In Tangier and Eastern Morocco, Mr. C. F. Tyrwhitt Drake only met with a few 
examples. Major Irby, however, tells us that he found it plentiful in suitable localities in the 
neighbourhood of Tangiers. 
Dr. L. Taczanowski writes to us that “it is very common in Algeria, where it is met with 
everywhere on the coast, in the mountains, and the oasis of the desert, being in general much 
more numerous than the other two species found in that country. In its habits it resembles 
Parus ceruleus, and, like this species, approaches habitations, spending most of its time 
examining the branches and leaves of trees and bushes. Its note is very different from that of 
the Blue Titmouse of Europe.” Mr. Osbert Salvin remarks as follows :—‘“ This highly coloured 
representative of our Common Blue Tit (Parus ceruleus) is abundant in all the wooded districts 
in the Eastern Atlas. In the mountains it may not unfrequently be observed about the shrubby 
vegetation which clothes many of the precipices. In its habits, as might be expected, it much 
resembles our familiar species.” ‘The Blue-backed Titmouse,” writes the late Captain Loche, 
‘‘ affects woods, orchards, and gardens. Notwithstanding its small size, it is a stout and courageous 
bird; its petulancy is extreme, and its mood extremely quarrelsome: its tastes are carnivorous; and 
it kills and devours such birds as it is able to master, even attacking individuals of its own’ species 
which are weak or ill. Its food, like that of its congeners, consists of insects, small fruits, berries, 
and grain; it does not shun the neighbourhood of habitations, and often on trees close to them it 
may be seen sporting, preening its feathers in the sun, and eagerly ferreting among the branches 
in search of insects and their larve. It builds in the holes of trees, and makes its nest of soft 
substances which it piles together; the number of eggs is from six to eight, of a white colour, 
marked with little points and spots of brick-red, their dimensions are 16 by 12 millimetres. It 
is seldom one sees more than two or three individuals of this species together. In captivity the 
Blue-backed ‘Titmouse flourishes well, and becomes very tame; but if one has the misfortune to 
place it in the aviary with other birds, its ferocity induces the most sanguinary combats.” 
