The MARSH TIT (_Parus palustris_) is of a reddish grey on the upper part
of the body, and greyish white beneath; the head, as far as the nape, is
deep black, the chin greyish black, and the region of the chest white.
The eye is dark brown, the beak black, and the foot lead-grey. The body
is four inches and a half long, and the span of the wings eight inches;
the wing measures two inches and a half, and the tail two inches.
The Marsh Tit inhabits the central portions of Europe. In the extreme
south and north it is replaced by nearly allied species. Everywhere this
bird frequents marshy localities, low-lying meadows, and moist woodland
districts, preferring clumps of bushes or willows to lofty trees. Such
as inhabit Great Britain remain throughout the entire year, but those
occupying more northern latitudes wander farther south at the approach of
winter.
Mr. Yarrell informs us that the Marsh Tit is common about London, and
with the Blue, Cole, Long-tailed, and Great Tits, has been observed in
Kensington Gardens, and that these birds are probably attracted to this
spot by the insect food to be found about old trees in various stages of
decay, a London atmosphere being unfavourable to healthy vegetation.
"The Marsh Tit," he tells us, "from London westward may be traced to
Cornwall and Wales." In Ireland, according to Mr. Thompson, "this bird
has been killed in the Phœnix Park near Dublin, in the county of Kildare,
in the vicinity of Belfast, and in the county of Donegal; from London
northward through Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, and Lincolnshire." It is
also abundant in Derbyshire and Yorkshire; it is found in Durham and
Northumberland; and Mr. Macgillivray saw it near Edinburgh. In his work
on "British Birds" he says:--"This species is not nearly so common in
the southern districts of Scotland as the Cole Tit, and I am not aware
of its having been met with farther north than Fifeshire. Although named
the Marsh Tit, it does not confine itself to marshy places, but examines
the trees and bushes growing in the driest soil, as well as those of
swampy ground; and I have seen it alight on herbaceous plants, especially
thistles. Its flight is rapid and undulated, all its motions are quick
and abrupt, and it creeps along the twigs, flutters, and throws itself
into all sorts of positions. Its food consists chiefly of insects, but in
autumn and winter it also eats the seeds of various syngenesian and other
plants, and will pick at the flesh of a dead animal. It remains all the
year with us, and does not seem to shift its quarters much. Its ordinary
cry is a shrill _cheep_, but it also emits a variety of chattering notes,
and in spring has a kind of song, which may be expressed by the syllables
'Chicka, chicka, chee!' Towards the end of the season the little flocks
disperse, separate from the individuals of other species with which they
have associated in winter, and betake themselves to the dense woods, or
to the marshy wooded borders of streams and pools, the chief attraction
to which seems to be the decayed willows, of which the crevices afford an
abundant supply of insect food."
Montague remarks that "the eggs of all the species of Titmouse whose eggs
are known are similar in colour, and only to be distinguished from each
other by size and weight. Those of the Nuthatch, Creeper, Wren, Yellow
Wren, Wood Wren, and Chiffchaff all agree in their markings, and are so
like those of the Titmice that it is scarcely possible to separate them
with certainty if once mixed together. It is somewhat remarkable that
all these birds breed in holes, or make a covered nest."
The nest is usually built in hollow trees, the decayed parts of which, as
Colonel Montague informs us, it excavates artfully, carrying the chips
in its bill to some distance. It always works downwards, and makes the
bottom of its excavation, intended for the reception of the nest, larger
than the entrance. The nest itself is compactly formed of moss and wool,
lined with the soft seed-down of the willow.
The first brood consists of from eight to twelve, and the second of from
six to nine eggs. These are seven lines and a half long, and six broad.
The shell is white, spotted with red.