16 



FAMILIAR WILD BIRDS. 



as also Ireland and Scotland. The whole of Europe is its 

 habitat, and it will even be fouud in the extreme North. 



The Great Tit is very fond of fat or suet, and in- 

 genious people may often derive considerable amusement 

 by hanging- some to the bough of a tree, especially in 

 winter, when the birds frequent towns ; for the Tits will 

 clutch the suet with their feet, and, if given string 

 enough, will swing around after the manner of a roasting- 

 jack. These visits will be repeated day after day, be- 

 coming in time a regular institution. 



If required for the aviary it is much better to get the 

 birds from the nest and rear them by hand, as they may 

 then become more sociable ; but if taken when adult they 

 are very often apt to become dangerous, and will even 

 attack birds much larger than themselves, and, by 

 repeated blows of their sharp little beaks, break open their 

 victims' heads and eat their brains. If, however, a 

 separate cage or, better still, a small aviary be available, 

 Titmice will amply repay the trouble of keeping, being 

 very handsome, and especially lively and interesting^)^ 



