COLE TITMOUSE 
67 
often extremely like the Nuthatch's. The hen 
birds of all these four Titmice often sit extremely 
close when disturbed upon the nest ; their fierce, 
snake-like hissing and spirited attempts to peck 
the intruding hand frequently cause much mysti- 
fication and alarm to people who are ignorant of 
their habits. 
COLE TITMOUSE. 
{Par us ater.) 
The name is also spelt Coal Tit or Titmouse, 
having probably been given on account of the 
black markings on the head. — Another most 
characteristic little Titmouse in all its ways, though, 
like the Marsh Tit which follows, less bright in 
plumage than the larger and better known species. 
In size, habits, and general appearance it is so like 
the Marsh Tit that the slight but unmistakable 
differences in marking want looking for rather 
carefully in order to distinguish it satisfactorily. 
Both of them are small, sturdy, grey birds with 
black about the head ; but the Marsh Tit has a 
complete black cap, extending down the back of 
the neck, while in the case of the Cole Tit this cap 
is split almost completely into two by a central 
white stripe. The Cole Tit's back and wings are 
also a clearer grey than the Marsh Tit's, which 
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