76 BIRDS PERCHING BIRDS DIAGRAM 4. 



without being stung which 

 would certainly kill them. 

 The titmice build pretty nests 

 of moss at the fork of the 

 large branches. They cover it 

 outside with lichens, so that it 

 cannot be distinguished from 

 the trunk of the tree. This 

 Titmouse. nest is entirely closed, only 



Laving an opening large enough to admit the finger ; it is lined in- 

 side with feathers and down, on which the female lays her eggs. 



The Water Wagtail is a pretty little bird, which is often seen 

 by the side of the water. It may be known by its white belly, and 

 by its step, always easy and elegant. It moves its tail at every 

 step it takes, from which habit it derives its name. 



Sparrows. This family also includes the Buntings, the Ortolans, 

 the Goldfinches, the Canaries, the Chaffinches, the Grosbeaks, the 

 Linnets, and the Bullfinches. They may all be known by their 



short straight beak, thickened at the 

 base, and pointed. They are great 

 eaters of corn, and are for the most 

 part formidable to agriculture, except 

 during the whole period that they are 

 Head of Grosbeak. making their nest, sitting, and rearing 



their young ; for at these times they live only on grubs and insects, 

 and feed their brood with the same. 



The Buntings live in woods in summer, and in the winter they 

 come in flocks into the farm-yards, and settle on the dung to seek 

 for what grain remains. The young ones leave the nest before 

 they can fly, but these birds seem to have a great family attach- 

 ment, and when the young are grown up, they often continue to 

 live with the parents. 



The Ortolan like the oriole, is a very rare bird in England, 

 though common on the Continent. They live among vines and 

 cornfields; and are caught and fattened for table, as & delicacy. 



