The AZURE TIT (_Parus cyaneus_) is considerably larger than the
last-mentioned species. The upper part of the body is light blue, the
head and under side are white, the nape and wings deep blue, the latter
adorned with a broad white band, and tipped with white; the eye is dark
brown, the beak greyish black, and the foot lead-grey. This species is
from five inches and a quarter to six inches long, and nine and a half
broad. The Azure Tit is spread over the eastern part of Siberia, and from
thence wanders annually over some portions of Europe.
"This beautiful Tit," says Mr. Gould, "is a native of Siberia, whence
it frequently strays into the northern parts of Europe, such as Russia
and Poland, and it has been known to penetrate as far south as Germany.
Like the rest of its family it dwells in woods and forests, generally in
the most retired parts; it, therefore, is not to be wondered at that its
history is shrouded in obscurity, when we consider how little intercourse
naturalists have had with the remote countries that it inhabits. Like
the rest of its race, the sexes of the Azure Tit offer little or no
difference in the colour of the plumage. Nothing is known respecting nest
or eggs."