THE GREAT TITMOUSE. 



Parus major, Linnaeus. 

 Plate io. 



The Great Titmouse or Ox-eye is more or less common over the greater 

 portion of our islands, with the exception of the northern and western parts of 

 Scotland, where it is rare. It is found throughout Europe from as far north as 

 Lapland to the Mediterranean, and also in North Africa and Asia. 



The Great Titmouse is a strikingly handsome bird, active and often aggressive 

 in its habits, and is fond of wooded and cultivated districts, gardens, and orchards. 



In early spring, before the leaves have opened, its loud and resonant song may 

 constantly be heard. This is quite distinct from that of any other British bird, 

 and has been compared to the sound of a file in sharpening a saw. The bird is 

 also a mimic, and imitates the alarm notes of other species. 



The nest is placed in many different situations, often in a hole in the trunk of 

 a tree, or in a wall ; sometimes in a pump or greenhouse chimney, while it is one 

 of the first birds to take possession of a nesting-box. I have seen it turn a Blue 

 Titmouse out of one of these boxes and drive the owner away. 



The nest is made of a quantity of green moss, in which is placed a warm lining 

 of hair, wool, and feathers. It contains from six to eleven or twelve eggs, which 

 are white, with reddish spots. The female sits very close, and will allow herself to 

 be touched with the hand without leaving the nest. 



The chief food of the Great Titmouse consists of insects, but the bird is more 

 or less omnivorous. In autumn it is fond of nuts, especially beech mast, picking 

 them off the trees and flying to some convenient perch to open them. It is said 

 to attack and kill smaller birds, and is partial to meat of any kind. 



The colours of the female resemble those of the male, but are less bright, 

 and the black stripe running through the centre of the breast and underparts, 

 which distinguishes the Great Titmouse from its congeners, is narrower and less 

 extended. 



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