234 OMNIVOROUS BIRDS. 



Note. This species is nearly allied to the Mocking Jay of Siberia 

 (Corvus inf an stus) ,a.nd the two appear to forma gradual passage 

 from the proper Crows to the Nut-crackers {JVucifraga of Brisson.) 



Family. — iEGITHALI. (VieilL Bonap.) 



The bill short, stout, straight, compressed, conic and pointed. 

 Nostrils, towards the base of the bill, half closed by a membrane, and 

 covered by small incumbent feathers. The feet rather robust ; legs 

 naked ; the outer toes united, at least, at the base ; hind toe and nail 

 largest. Tail of 12 feathers. 



These are lively and active little birds, living in woods and on 

 trees, frequently suspending themselves by the claws to the under- 

 side of the branches, and climbing up or down. They feed much on 

 insects, and sometimes on fruits and seeds ; they breed chiefly in the 

 holes of decayed trees ; a few build very artful nests ; they have 

 many eggs. The voice is rather unpleasant. 



The titmouse. (Parus. L.) 



Bill short, straight, strong, conic, compressed, entire, edged and 

 pointed, having bristles at the base : the upper mandible longer, 

 rounded above, and slightly curved. The nostrils, at the base of 

 the bill, rounded, and concealed by the advancing feathers. The 

 tongue blunt and cleft, or entire and acute. Feet rather large, the 

 toes almost wholly divided ; the nail of the hind toe strongest, and 

 most curved. Wings, the 1st primary of moderate length, or very 

 short ; the 2d much shorter than the the 3d ; the 4th and 5th are 

 longest. — The female and young differ little from the adult. They 

 moult annually ; and their plumage is long and slender. 



These are familiar, active, and restless birds, of a peevish and cour- 

 ageous disposition, and great enemies to insects. They move by 

 short and sudden leaps and flights from branch to branch, suspend- 

 ing themselves readily in all attitudes. They live in famihes, in 

 woods or marshes, and approach gardens and orchards during au- 

 tumn and winter. They are strictly omnivorous, feeding on grain, 



