106 



IN NATURE'S WAYS 



and fearless at all times, he becomes remarkably bold 

 when nesting ; then he will scold at intruders, and dash 

 at other birds which may come near the nest. The 

 mother bird, if touched when on the nest, will hiss 

 and peck defiantly. 



Like all the tits, the great-tit does a most useful 

 work in the world, devouring grubs, caterpillars, and 

 insects ; he is fond also of nuts, and maize is a great 

 attraction. 



Quietest and soberest of the titmice is the modest 

 little marsh-tit. While he takes after the cole-tit in 

 appearance, he is always to be known from his cousin 

 by reason of his black forehead, head, and nape ; his 

 upper parts are greyish, his cheeks, throat, and breast 

 dull white. But he is a tit through and through, and 

 full of pretty tricks and antics ; and we have known 

 several pairs to become remarkably tame and friendly 

 at our bird-table. 



The blue tit is sometimes called "billy biter," because of his sharp little temper 



