PAR1DAE—TITS.
Great Tit : Parus major. Locally,
" Saw-sharpener," " Post-builder " (E. A. F).
A common resident.
Round Orsett, Mr. Sackett describes it as " appar-
ently less common in summer than in winter," a
remark which I think applies to the whole of the
county.
Marsh Tit: Parus palustris-dresseri.
Locally, " Blackcap."
A very common resident in most parts
of the county, I believe, though Mr. E. R.

Green tells me he does not meet with it
GREAT TIT, 1/7.
this species, again, we find a
form differing somewhat from
the true form (P. palustris)
usually met with on the con-
tinent of Europe.
Round Chignal, it is very com-
mon at all seasons, to the almost
total exclusion of the Coal Tit.
Round Harwich it is common and
breeds (Kerry).
Coal Tit: Parus ater-britannicus.
A resident, though somewhat local and uncommon. This, the nor-
mal British form of the species, can only be regarded as a sub-species.
The Continental form (P. ater),
with the upper part of the back
slate-grey, instead of brown, may
have occurred with us, as it
sometimes visits Britain, but has ,
never been identified, I believe.
In the Colchester district, and near
London, Dr. Laver believes it to be
commoner than the Marsh Tit, although
round Chignal I have seldom seen a
specimen of late years. Mr. Smoothy,
however, tells me it is common at Dan-
bury. Round Orsett it is " not com-

mon " (Sackett). RHope says it is commWrabness woods.
R Green tells me it is common. Mr.
Mr. Kerry mentions " one seen in the
In the Paglesham district it is " pretty common " (Wiseman).