C O A L T I T.
PARUS AT Ell.
Tin; Coal Titmouse is plentiful from, north to south, being probably more numerous in some of tlie firplantations
of l he Highlands than in any other districts. They appear to prefer Scotch firs of moderate sice
to those of larger growth. Inverness and Ross-shire furnish extensive tracts of recently-planted ground, where
this speeies, in company with Blue Tits and 0olden-crested Wrens, may he observed at almost any time of
year. During autumn and winter they may frequently be found in small parties making their way across
the country.
Those who aro not well acquainted with the diiference between the Marsh and Coal Titmice nitty easily
distinguish the species while climbing among the trees, if they will only bear in mind the following short
description of the two birds:—Parm ptUmtM* is didl and sober-coloured, while Pnnw titer is somewhat
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 are moving from limb to limb. I am of opinion that this prominent mark has now and then led to the
bird being mistaken for the Crested Titmouse. 1 well remember one instance where a short-sighted naturalist,
was greatly delighted by watching a small parly of Coal Tils that were working their way through a straggling
plantation of fir trees in the west of Perthshire, under the impression that he was gaining au insight into the
manners and customs of the Crested Titmouse. I humbly ventured to suggest that he was wrong in his
supposition as to the identity of the species; h;it 1 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 I bat seientilie naturalists are inclined
to separate our native Coal Tit from the Par** ater of the continent, it may not be out of place for me to stale
(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 w ing* 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 win.lews during a protracted frost.
Like the majority of the family, the Coal Tit nests in holes, ohoothuj frequently situations at a low
elevation, and at times even underground. It is by no means easy to distinguish their eirgs from those of the
Harsh-Tit mouse; and, indeed, they much resemble in their markings those of others of the family.