OEDEB, X. 

 INSECTIVOK^E. 



INSECTIVOROUS BIRDS. 



THIS is not a very accurate name for an order, because the 

 birds, which we have to class under it, are some of them less 

 insectivorous than those of the order immediately preceding, 

 and some of them feed as much upon molluscse and worms as 

 upon insects, if not more ; but still, it enables us to bring 

 together birds which have so many characters in common, 

 that a few general sentences enable us to avoid repetition. 



These birds mostly inhabit woods, bushes, or reeds on 

 marshy grounds ; they do not associate in parties, but each 

 pair have their solitary nest, and many rear two broods in 

 the course of the year. They all feed chiefly upon insects 

 and other small animals, during the summer, and prefer them 

 for feeding their young ; but those which are resident in 

 Britain all the year round have recourse to berries, seeds, 

 and other vegetable substances, during the season at which 

 animal food is not to be found. Many of them are summer 

 visitants with us, and resort to warmer climates during 

 winter ; but a few also breed farther to the north, and are 

 winter visitants with us. 



Of 37 species that may be considered as belonging to this 

 order, only 12 are permanently resident, 20 are summer 

 visitants, two come in the winter, and three make their 



