MARSH TIT. 211 



in and out of their nests, feeding their young, flying off in 

 search of food, or seeking for it in the crevices of the neigh- 

 bouring trees. It is truly gratifying to witness their sprightly 

 gambols, and the entertaining positions into which, as it were, 

 in the very exuberance of spirit, they are continually throwing 

 themselves.' 



In winter these birds collect in small flocks, the individuals 

 of which pair together in the spring; they are said to lay 

 up a little store of food against the former season, and to 

 roost generally in trees at night, hiding themselves in small 

 holes. The male is believed to choose a partner for life, 

 and occasionally to feed the female, which receives the food 

 in the same shivering manner that a young bird does; and 

 the female displays the same disinterested guardianship of 

 her family as the others of the Titmice. Both parents shew 

 a very affectionate disposition towards their family, and the 

 members of the latter to each other; so that if one is caught, 

 and placed in a cage, the others come to it, and may be 

 captured likewise. Let it be hoped, however, that no reader 

 will act upon this information, but leave the Marsh Titmouse 

 to the liberty of which, as just shewn, it makes so good a 

 use. Small flocks of six or eight may be seen together in 

 the autumn — probably the members of the family which the 

 summer has produced. 



Its flight is rather quick and undulated. 



Its food consists principally of insects, but when they are 

 not to be had in sufficient plenty, it readily puts up with 

 seeds, both of wild and garden plants; and will, if need be, 

 pick at a carrion. It is said to be fond of the seeds of 

 the thistle and the sun-flower, to have a 'penchant' for bees 

 and wasps, and not, in case of necessity, to turn away from 

 an oat rick. It has been known to consume more than 

 half its own weight of food in a day. The young are fed 

 with caterpillars; Mr. Weir observed the old birds to feed 

 them about twenty times an hour: he observes, 'The female 

 came within fifteen or twenty yards of me, but the male 

 was shy, and remained at a considerable distance.' 



The note resembles the syllables 'che-chee, che-chee;' as 

 also, according to Macgillivray, 'chica-chica-chee;' and to 

 Meyer, *tzit, tzit, dea-dee,' as also, 'witgee,' uttered many 

 times in succession. He thinks that the name Titmouse has 

 perhaps been derived from the note — a sharp sort of chirp 

 quickly performed, gay and rather rich, though unmusical. 



