l^^i FA Ml LI A It in LI) BIRDS. 



true it is that it is frequently seen by the woody mavs^ins 

 of streams or ponds, but it may also be noticed busily at 

 work searching" for food in almost any situation where 

 brushwood, co})scs, and low trees abound. 



The habits of the Marsh Tit correspond with tln^se of 

 a]]^ the Titinice; sprightly in movement, unceasing- and 

 unwearying in searching for food, this little bird seems to 

 make the extermination of the various forms of insect life 

 the great object of its existence ; and it may almost be 

 taken for granted that wherever and whenever one is seen, 

 it is on the hunt, either to satisfy its own wants or the 

 requirements of its young family. During the time when 

 the young birds are in the nest this activity is very notice- 

 able and amusing, the visits paid by the parents to their 

 progeny being {)er])etual. Of course an enormous number 

 of insects are thus destroyed, and it is only just to add that 

 the appetites of the young Titmice are at all times fully 

 equal to the exertions of their parents. 



In winter these birds collect in small llcicks and roam 

 about from place to i)lace as the supply of food n.ay 

 diminish. In autumn also small companies of these little 

 birds are frequently observed; but larel^ exceed six or 

 eight in immber, and are probably composed of the members 

 of the same family. Sometimes, however, it associates 

 with small birds of other species. The Hight is nnsteady 

 and undulating, but is rather rapid, though seldom in- 

 dulged in for any but short distanees. 



The nojjj may be said to resemble the syllables " diee- 

 chee ^^ uttered jj^iiickly and several limes in sutcessiou ; it 

 has a lively sound, but is shrill and not very melodious. 



The nest of the Marsh Titmouse is generally placed in 

 holes of old and decayed willow trees, aiid in the stumj^of 



