WARBLERS. 



from bush to bush, running up and down branches with great cele- 

 rity, and hanging in various attitudes among the fohage. 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 

 sometimes attack weak and sickly birds, which they kill, fracturing 

 their skull by repeated strokes of their strong and pointed bill. 

 The nests of some species are formed in the holes of decayed trees 

 or old walls, and are composed of moss, and lined with hair and 



"Wb--^**- 



1, 



Fig. 57.— The Marsh Titmouse. 



feathers. Others select the fork of a tree or the middle of a bush, 

 wherein they construct an oval-shaped nest, made of lichens and 

 wool intermixed, and lined with feathers. The eggs are usually 

 from six to ten in number. 



The majority of the Titmice — especially those which frequent 

 woods, thickets, and orchards — are courageous and even fero- 

 cious : they will attack the owl with greater boldness than any 

 other bird, being always foremost in darting upon him and trying 

 to peck at his eyes. They express their little rage and fury by 

 Lhe swelling of their plumes, by violent attitudes and precipitate 

 motions. They peck sharply the hand that holds them, and seem 

 by their cries to call others to their assistance — an appeal which 

 usually attracts them in crowds. There are many traits in their 

 manners and character resembling those of the shrikes, pies, and 



