2 9 



BACKBONED ANIMALS. 



The titlark (Anthus Ludovicianus) (Fig. 318) is a fa- 

 miliar American form. The nest is formed in the grass. 

 Allied is the tailor-bird, that, with its bill as a needle and 

 grass for thread, sews leaves together to form its nest 

 (Fig. 319). 



The wrens {Troglodyiida) are 

 chiefly denizens of tropical Amer- 

 ica, though a number of species are 



FIG. 318. American titlark,, 



familiar visitors about Northern 

 homes. The common house wren 

 ( Troglodytes cedon) is about five inch- 

 es long, and of a brown hue. The 

 nest is generally found near the 

 habitation of man, in holes or crev- 

 ices, in which five or six pale red- 

 dish eggs are laid. 



Allied are the nuthatches, European hanging tit (Figo 

 320), stone-chat, bluebird, and others. 



The water-ousel (Cinclidtz) is essentially aquatic in its 

 habits, not only wading in the water, but flying into and 

 under it, using its wings as fins to reach the bottom and 

 obtain food. It is common about brooks. The nest is 

 placed near a cascade, and is a great globe of living 



FIG. 319. Nest of the 

 tailor-bird of India or 

 China. 



