444 SYLVIAS, OR WARBLERS; ACCENTORS, TITMICE, &C. 



which one species is commonly known in this country as the 

 Hedge-Sparrow, Fig. 242), have their bills rather straighter and 

 shorter, and somewhat compressed towards the edges. This 

 conformation shows their relationship to the Conirostral group ; 

 which is further manifested by their feeding on small seeds as 

 well as on insects. They are found in both hemispheres ; and 

 live chiefly on the ground, seeking their food near the shelter of 

 bushes, to which they retreat when disturbed, and moving with 

 a gait between leaping and walking. The Titmice have short 



conical bills, with the tips 

 not dentated, and the base 

 covered with a few bristles. 

 They are found in both he- 

 mispheres, and are very active 

 little birds, continually flit- 

 ting from branch to branch, 

 and suspending themselves 

 in all kinds of strange at- 

 titudes, whilst seeking for 

 insects among the foliage. 

 Though essentially insectivor- 

 ous, many of them also feed on seeds of various kinds ; and 

 some of them do not disdain carrion. They are petulant, 

 excitable, and courageous in their disposition ; defending 

 themselves with energy, and not hesitating to attack birds 



FIG. 244. TITLAHK. 



FIG. 246. HKAD AND FOOT OF BLUK. HEADED WAGTAIL. 



much larger than themselves. The Wagtails have a length- 

 ened and slender bill ; their wings are long and pointed ; and 



