CHAPTEK LYII. 



The Great Titmouse. 



Parus major, Lin. ; Grosse Mesange, ou Charhonniere, Buf. 



Description and Character. — The Great Titmouse, more 

 commonly termed the Ox Eye, is a well-known bird, and is a 

 great favourite with bird fanciers, not only on account of its 

 beauty and docility, but also because of its bright and cheerful 

 disposition and engaging manners. It is a very merry, and also 

 a very mischievous, bird ; and, on account of the latter reason, 

 it is not advisable to keep it in an aviary with others of 

 a different species, as it is uncommonly courageous, and 

 also cruel, and will attack birds much larger, and of greater 

 bodily strength, relying upon its activity and dexterity to van- 

 quish its opponents, which it almost invariably does by attack- 

 ing them about the head and braining them. When hand- 

 reared, and brought up with other varieties (or species), it is not 

 so vindictive, and hence more reliable ; the males, however, 

 should never be placed, during the breeding season, with any 

 but their own species, for this propensity seems an inherent part 

 of their nature. When reared by hand, they may be taught 

 several amusing tricks, and also to draw up their food and water 

 after the manner of Goldfinches and Redpolls. They are apt 

 pupils, and readily learn their lessons, appearing to appreciate 

 what is taught them. 



A fully-grown bird is 5^in. long from beak to tail, the latter 

 measuring 2iin. The beak is conical in form, very hard, sharp 

 at the point, and in hue black. The iris is dark brown. The 

 head, neck, chin, and throat, are deep black, the head and neck 



