The SOMBRE TIT (_Parus lugubris_).--"This bird," says Mr. Gould, "does
not approach the British Islands, nor even the more temperate parts of
the European Continent. Its habitat is almost restricted to the European
confines of the Asiatic border; it has, however, never been observed in
Austria, or any part of Germany, although pretty common in Dalmatia. The
male and female are alike in plumage, and may be thus described:--The
whole of the upper surface is of a brownish ash-colour, becoming deeper
on the top of the head; the secondaries and tail-feathers are slightly
margined with white; throat brownish black; the cheeks and the whole of
the under surface white, slightly tinted with brownish grey; beak and
feet lead-colour."