480 PAlllD.E. 



their search for food ; and, being fearless in disposition, may 

 be readily observed roving in bands from ti*ee to tree or from 

 bush to bush, alighting equally on a sturdy branch or a 

 slender twig, fluttering for a few moments beneath the boughs, 

 or hanging back downwards by their strong toes and hooked 

 claws, while examining every cavity, leaf or bud, that is 

 likely to afford shelter to any of their numerous insect-prey. 

 The Great Titmouse, often called the Oxeye, the first of the 

 genus to be here considered, is said to have been known to 

 kill birds of its own size, accomplishing that end by repeated 

 blows of its hard and sharp bill on the skull of the victim, 

 and afterwards picking out and eating the brains. Whether 

 this story be true or not, the species certainly seldom indulges 

 in the practice except when caged, and its food mainly con- 

 sists of insects in their various stages, with, in autumn and 

 winter, a variety of liard seeds, which it cracks much in the 

 way of the Nuthatch already described, but without the same 

 dexterity as that bird. 



In England the Great Titmouse is seldom seen on bleak 

 open ground, but inhabits woods, gardens or enclosed and 

 sheltered districts generally. In winter it approaches nearer 

 the habitations of men, and may be seen in hard weather 

 closely examining the thatch of old buildings in search of 

 the many small flies that harbour there. As the Great Tit- 

 mouse is an early breeder, the lively chirping notes of the 

 male are heard at the beginning of February ; and, though 

 hardly to be called harmonious, they must yet be considered 

 a true song, since they cease with the hatching of the young, 

 but should a second nest he built they are recommenced, 

 only in a somewhat different key. These notes are very varied, 

 and include some which are very harsh and much resemble 

 the noise made in sharpening a saw, so that in many parts 

 of England the bird is commonly known by the name of 

 Sawsharper. As a whole the song is more remarkable for 

 cheerfulness and frequent repetition than for quality of tone. 

 The nest consists of a foundation of soft moss, on which is 

 a thick layer of short hairs almost felted into a mass, some 

 feathers being often added. It is usually built in the hole of 



