CLASS II. AVES: ORDER 2. PASSERES. 



13T 



THE MNIOTILTIN^E OR BUSH-CREEPERS. 



These are small birds, found in both hemispheres, residing in woods and thickets, and feeding 

 on insects, worms, and spiders. In pursuit of their prey they creep about upon the bushes with 

 great facility, examining every leaf, and poking their heads into flowers to capture the minute 

 insects that seek shelter among the petals. They are very sociable, and assemble in flocks, fre- 

 quently mingling with other birds. Their nests are very curious, sometimes arched over, and some- 

 times suspended by fibers of bark to the thin twigs of trees. One of the most common species is 

 the ZosterojJS palpehrosus, common in India. This is often seen with its forehead powdered with 

 pollen, acquired during its inspection of the flowers. 



THE LONG-TAILED TITMOUSE. 



THE PARINJ3 OR TITMICE. 



These lively and courageous little birds, called Mesange by the French, are common to both 

 continents. In England they are popularly called Tits, Tomtits, and Titmice; in America, 

 Chickadees, from the call or cry of one of the most common species. About fourteen European 

 species are known, twelve in North America, and several in India, the Himalaya Mountains, Ja- 

 pan, New Zealand, and Australia. They are found principally in wooded districts, where they 

 feed upon insects and larva?, which they capture both upon the bark and leaves of the trees and 

 shrubs. In search of these they may be seen clinging in every variety of attitude to the branches 

 and twigs ; and when thus engaged, from the sprightliness of their whole behavior, they are ex- 

 ceedingly pleasing objects. They are seen engaged in this manner in gardens, where they 

 climb about the fruit-trees in every direction, and often destroy a good many buds in tlieir search 

 for insects contained in them. They build their nests in various situations — in cavities in walls, 

 in hollow trees, and on the branches of trees. 



The Genus PARUS : Partis, contains several species : the Great Titmouse, P. major, is some- 

 what less than six inches long ; the upper parts are greenish-ash ; the breast, sides, and flanks, 

 dull sulphur-yellow. It inhabits woods, the vicinity of gardens, and sheltered situations, in sum- 

 mer, feeding often on seeds. In winter it approaches the habitations of man, and closely exam- 

 ines the thatch of old buildings in search of the small flies that harbor there. In September the 



Vol. II.— 18 



