1/8 WILD NATURE IN STRATHEARN. 



Their small size, graceful movements, and 

 acrobatic antics attract the attention of all 

 interested in bird life, and Macgillivray was of 

 the opinion that the Tits were closely allied to 

 the Jays. This species (Oxeye), being the largest, 

 exhibits the relationship in a more remarkable 

 degree than the rest, not only in form, but also- 

 in manners. Thus it is in a manner omnivorous, 

 for, not content with seeds, insects, larvae, it 

 eats the flesh of birds or quadrupeds, and, 

 according to many reputable writers, sometimes 

 attacks small or young birds. I have never 

 seen this. I know the Tits are not deficient 

 in pluck, and will stand up for their rights, and 

 fight in defence of their nest and young ; but 

 I have never seen them attack a weak brother. 

 They are so busy all day that they have no 

 time to quarrel and fight. They are very fond 

 of a bone to pick, or a bit of suet, and in hard 

 frost will relish any tit-bit of meat put out 

 to them. 



The approach of winter drives the Oxeye 



