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THE TITMOUSE. 



The birds of the Parus or Titmouse genus are noted for 

 the curious construction of their nests, which are composed 

 of the softest materials, and often fastened to the end of a 

 branch overhanging the water, so as to be secured from 

 the attacks of quadrupeds and reptiles. They are very 

 prolific, some of them laying nearly twenty eggs ; great 

 industry is exerted in providing for their numerous off- 

 spring. They are lively and active little birds, possessing 

 such strength and courage as to attack birds three times 

 their size. When they have conquered, they pierce the 

 skull to obtain the brains ; they are fond of flesh, and 

 particularly of fat. Their food chiefly consists of insects, 

 in pursuit of 'which they pick off the early buds of spring, 

 or in summer search the crevices of trees. They are 

 common in the old world, and many parts of the new. 



THE BLUE TITMOUSE, 



A well-known native of Europe, is about four inches and 

 a half in length. The upper parts of the body are olive 

 green, the lower yellow; the crown of the head and tail 

 are blue, as well as the principal wing-feathers; it has 

 markings both of black and white. This bird is supposed 

 to be hurtful to orchards and gardens, by picking off the 

 buds in search of insects. It eats both flesh and grains; 

 its nest is made in the hollow of trees : the female is very 

 careful, and will vigorously resist if attacked while sitting. 



LONG-TAILED TITMOUSE. 



The body of it is only two inches in length, while its 

 tail measures three. It is varied with white, rose- 

 coloured, and black, with a white crown and tail. Its nest 

 is usually firmly fixed in the fork of some bush or tree ; it 

 is of an oval form, with a small entrance at the side. The 

 outside consists of moss, wool, and dry grass, firmly 

 woven together, and is thickly lined with feathers ; the 



