LUSCmiDJE. 



143 



SUB-FA JULY V. 



PaRIN/E. 



The Titmice. 



Gen". Chahac— Bill strong, slightly compressed ; first primary short, second 

 shorter than the first, fourth and fifth longest; hind claw strongest and most 

 hooked : tarsus short. 



\: 





l->x>H',>i,:P"''''^^'^ 



Fig. 57. — the itaesh TiTMorsE. 



The birds composing this sub -family are distri- 

 buted tkroughout Europe^ Asia^ Africa^ and North 

 America. They usually frequent woods and gardens, 

 and are very lively little birds, flitting from bush to 

 bush, running up and down branches vrith great 

 celerity, and hanging in various attitudes among the 

 foliage. Their food consists of insects, grubs, and 

 caterpillars ; but at times they will peck up grain or 

 seeds, and even feed upon flesh. They will some- 

 times attack weak and sickly birds, which they kill, 

 fracturing their skulls by repeated strokes of their 

 strong and pointed bill. The nests of some species 



