204 



TIIE TITMICE. 



lined with feathers and soft vegetable down. The nest and birds 

 are together so extremely light, that the leaves of the most exterior 

 and slender twigs of the trees are chosen for the purpose ; and, 

 thus situated, the brood is completely secured from the depreda- 

 tions of every invader. The Common Wren is smaller; the plumage 

 is reddish brown, streaked with pale black. It is lively and social, 

 constantly seeking the vicinity of man. 



THE COMMON WREN. 



OF THE TITMICE IN GENERAL. 



THE bill is straight, strong, hard, sharp-pointed, and a little com 

 pressed. The nostrils are round, and covered with bristles. The 

 iongue appears as if cut off at the extremity, and is terminated by 

 three or four bristles. The toes are divided to their origin ; and the 

 oack toe is very large and strong. 



This is a diminutive but sprightly race of birds ; possessed both of 

 courage and strength. Their general food consists of seeds, fruit, 

 and insects ; and a few of them eat flesh. Some of them will ven- 

 ture to assault birds that are twice or thrice their own bulk ; and, in 

 ibis case, they direct their aim chiefly at the eyes. They often seixe 

 upon birds that are weaker than themselves : these they kill, and, 



