THE MARSH-TITMOUSE. 

 Parus palustris, Linnaeus. 

 Plate io. 



The Marsh-Titmouse, which, like the Coal-Titmouse, is subject to colour 

 variations, though not by any means rare, is perhaps less frequently met with 

 in England than most of its congeners. 



In Scotland it is scarce and local, while in Ireland it has only rarely been 

 recorded. 



The Marsh-Titmouse inhabiting Scotland is apparently the race with a 

 dull black crown to the head, known as the Willow-Tit, which form is also 

 resident in England. 



The nest is usually placed in a hole in the stump of an old willow or other 

 tree, or sometimes underground in a disused mouse hole, and is composed of 

 moss, willow-down, wool, and hair. It contains from five to eight eggs, which 

 are white, spotted with red. 



About the end of March 191 4 a pair of Marsh-Titmice began to dig out a 

 nesting hole in an old rotten post which had been used to support some netting 

 in my garden. Near the top of this a shaft was carried downwards within the 

 post, to the depth of several inches, with two small entrance holes about three 

 inches apart, one above the other. 



The numerous chips which were dug out during the operation were strewn 

 about on the ground below, without any attempt at concealment. Unfortunately 

 the birds abandoned the site before the excavation was completed. 



Although frequenting willow trees near water, the Marsh-Titmouse is just 

 as often found among woods and plantations in dry situations. 



In spring this bird has some pleasing notes which may be described as a 

 song, and its call-note is very distinct from that of the other Titmice. In actions 

 and habits it very much resembles the rest of its family, clinging in various 

 attitudes to the twigs and branches as it searches for insects. 



The sexes are alike in plumage. 



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