122 FAMILIAR WILD BIRDS. 



true it is that it is frequently seen by the woody margins 

 of streams or ponds, but it may also be noticed busily at 

 work searching for food in almost any situation where 

 brushwood, copses, and low trees abound. 



The habits of the Marsh Tit correspond with those of 

 all the Titmice; sprightly in movement, unceasing and 

 unwearying in searching for food, this little bird seems to 

 make the extermination of the various forms of insect life 

 the great object of its existence ; and it may almost be 

 taken for granted that wherever and whenever one is seen, 

 it is on the hunt, either to satisfy its own wants or the 

 requirements of its young family. During the time when 

 the young birds are in the nest this activity is very notice^ 

 able and amusing, the visits paid by the parents to their 

 progeny being perpetual. Of course an enormous number 

 of insects are thus destroyed, and it is only just to add that 

 the appetites of the young Titmice are at all times fully 

 equal to the exertions of their parents. 



In winter these birds collect in small flocks and roam 

 about from place to place as the supply of food may 

 diminish. In autumn also small companies of these little 

 birds are frequently observed; but rarely exceed six or 

 eight in number, and are probably composed of the members 

 of the same family. Sometimes, however, it associates 

 with small birds of other species. The flight is unsteady 

 and undulating, but is rather rapid, though seldom in- 

 dulged in for any but short distances. 



The note may be said to resemble the syllables " chee- 

 chee " uttered quickly and several times in succession ; it 

 has a lively sound, but is shrill and not very melodious. 



The nest of the Marsh Titmouse is generally placed in 

 holes of old and decayed willow trees, and in the stumps of 



