42 LAKES AND RIVERS. 



fully built than that of most water-birds. It is formed 

 of grass and moss, and lined with the down of the 

 willow. It has been known to make its nest in a 

 rat's hole. There are seven or eight eggs, like those 

 of the blue titmouse, but the spots are larger, and the 

 shape of the eggs rounder. " It feeds on carrion," 

 says Mr. Selby, "as well as on seeds, especially those 

 of the sunflower and thistle." The head, nape of the 

 neck, and throat are black. The head to the eyes has 



THE MARSH TITMOUSE. 



a distinct cowl or covering of a black colour. The 

 upper parts and wings are yellowish-gray, the cheeks 

 and breast nearly white ; the lower parts are the same 

 as the upper, but tinged with brown on the flanks. 



