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Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on 
Coal-Titmouse, the bird with which we are at present 
chiefly concerned. It was important to obtain a repre¬ 
sentative series of this bird from the various parts of 
its range, so as to ascertain to what extent, if any, it 
varied inter se, and whether examples of the British 
Coal-Titmouse occurred in other parts of Ireland besides 
Co. Down, where I had previously obtained specimens. 
From Co. Donegal I have recently received several examples 
of P. hibernicus. 
On laying out the series of Irish Titmice in geographical 
order, one is at once struck with their general similarity and 
distinctive colouring, which enables one, even in their present 
more or less faded condition, to distinguish them at a glance 
from an equally large series of Coal-Titmice ranging over 
Scotland and England, as well as from those mentioned 
above as having been obtained in Co. Down. 
It is unfortunate that in P. hibernicus the yellow wash on 
the sides of the head, nuchal spot, and breast, as well as the 
cinnamon-colour of the sides and flanks, fades considerably 
soon after the birds have been skinned, though some 
specimens retain their colour better than others. No one 
who has not seen these birds in the flesh can form any 
idea of how distinct they really are and how bright their 
coloration is. 
The most typical examples of P. hibernicus were obtained 
in Roscommon, Cavan, and Fermanagh. 
Among the birds procured by Mr. Bishop there are a few 
which approach typical examples of P. britannicus. One of 
these was obtained near Dublin, three in Kerry, and 
Mr. Ussher has recently sent me one from Waterford. 
It seems probable that the British Coal-Titmouse visits 
Ireland in winter, and some may possibly remain there to 
breed, pairing with Irish birds. This would account for 
the fact that among the large series collected there are 
some examples which are not quite typical examples of 
P. hibernicus. 
The fact that the British Coal-Titmouse also occurs in 
Ireland and is possibly resident in Co. Down led me at first 
