BIRDS' NESTS. 99 



spots are usually smaller, more scattered, and 

 of a lighter colour. 



TOM-TIT. Parus cceruleus. 



THIS active and amusing little bird builds 

 its nest of grass, moss, hair, and feathers, in 

 the holes of decayed stumps of trees. Here 

 it lays from six to eighteen small white eggs, 

 copiously speckled with light red. Though 

 diminutive in size, it has a stout heart, and 

 will defend its nest against all aggressors with 

 patriotic obstinacy. When disturbed on its 

 nest, it frequently utters a hissing noise, either 

 in defiance of, or to strike terror into its 

 enemy. It will even peck at the fingers of 

 any one who attempts to molest it, and from 

 this habit has acquired the name of "Billy 

 Biter." So attached are these birds to their 

 nests, that they have been known to rear their 

 young after the stump in which they have fixed 

 their dwelling has been shattered to pieces. 

 The Marsh Tit (Parus palustris), (Plate III. 



H2 



