COAL TIT. 
The Coal — Is plenty north to L tfZtote £ 
plantations of the furni8U crf onsivo tracts of recently-planted ground, where 
rr ”lg autumn and winter they may frequently he found in small partres makmg them way across 
4116 Z^ 'who ai’e not well acquainted with the difference between the Marsh and Coal Titmice may easily 
distinguish the species while climbing among the trees, if they will only bear in mind the following short 
description of the two birds -.—Farm palustris is dull and sober-coloured, while Farm ater is someu a 
similar, but the wings are slightly relieved by a couple of small white bars near the shoulder, and the back 
of the head plainly shows a white patch. This small strip of colour is particularly conspicuous while the 
birds arc moving from limb to limb. I am of opinion that this prominent mark lias now and then led to the 
bird being mistaken for the Crested Titmouse. I well remember one instance where a short-sighted naturalist 
was greatly delighted by watching a small party of Coal Tits that were working their way through a straggling- 
plantation of fir trees in the west of Perthshire, under the impression that lie was gaining an insight into the 
manners and customs of the Crested Titmouse. I humbly ventured to suggest that lie was wrong in his 
supposition as to the identity of the species ; but I received at once such a decisive rebuke for my interference 
that I refrained from any further remarks. 
As I perceive by a perusal of some of the recently published works that scientific naturalists are inclined 
to separate our native Coal Tit from the Pams ater of the continent, it may not be out of place for me to state 
(though I venture no opinion as to the decision of these learned professors) that I have never observed this 
species at sea while in the act of migration, neither have I ever received a wing* from any of the light-ships 
off the eastern coasts. 
The food of this species is mainly composed of various minute kinds of insects, as well as caterpillars ; 
probably it will also at times partially subsist on seeds. I have repeatedly noticed these birds paying short 
visits of inspection to the bones and scraps of meat thrown out to the eager companies of pensioners that 
gather in front of the windows during a protracted frost. 
Like the majority of the family, the Coal Tit nests in holes, choosing frequently situations at a low 
elevation, and at times even underground. It is by no means easy to distinguish their eggs from those of the 
Marsh-Titmouse ; and, indeed, they much resemble in their markings those of others of the family. 
* Vide notes ou the Great Tit. 
