164 
ryNRID.E. 
IXSESSORES. 
DENTIROSTRES. 
PA RID.E. 
PLATE LXXVII. 
BLUE TITMOUSE. 
Parus c.eruleus. 
The present species inhabits all Europe, ^vith the excep¬ 
tion of the most northern parts: it prefers moderately hilly 
to mountainous countries, and frequents leaf-clad trees, in pre¬ 
ference to pines and firs. In the spring these birds are 
seen in pairs, and afterwards in families: towards autumn 
they collect in flocks, but not in such numbers as the fore¬ 
going species. It requires hardly to be mentioned, that 
the Blue Titmouse remains with us the whole year, and 
is continually seen in shrubberies close to our windows, 
particularly during the winter season. They associate much 
with the golden-crested wrens and creepers ; but these are 
not so familiar, and do not generally approach so near to 
habitations. In temper the Blue Titmouse is quarrelsome 
and cruel, frequently biting and pursuing other small 
birds, with erected crest and attitudes of defiance. Among 
the branches of trees this little creature is very nimble, 
climbing and hopping from bough to bough, and clinging 
in a variety of attitudes; it seldom descends to the ground, 
all its habits being arboreal. Its flight, when continued to 
a little distance, is rather unsteady, especially in windy 
weather. 
On the continent of Europe, many of these birds migrate 
