LUSCINID.E. 145 



and searching diligently for the insects which, at that 

 season of the year, are hidden in the crevices of the hark. 

 These birds feed much upon carrion, and will even kill 

 small birds by frequent strokes of their sharp, hard bill 

 upon the head of the unfortunate victim, whose brains 

 they afterw^ards pick out and devour. The nest of the 

 Great Tit is placed in a hole in a tree or wall, and is com- 



FlG. 5S. — THB GREAT TITitOCM:. 



(Far US major ) 



posed of moss, hair, and feathers. The female lays usually 

 from eight to ten eggs, although occasionally sixteen, or 

 even eighteen have been found in one nest. They are 

 white, with pale red spots. When threatened by an in- 

 truder, tlie mother-bird stoutly defends her brood ; she 

 putls out her feathers, hissing loudly, and boldly pecks at 

 tlie assailant. 



