204 BIRDS OF OHIO. 



287. (731.) B^OLOPHus bicolor Linn. 14. 



Tufted Titmouse. 

 Synonyms: Lophophanes bicolor. 



Crested Titmouse, Toupet Titmouse, Peter-peter, Sugar- 

 bird. 

 Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 164. 



This Titmouse is common all the year over the entire 

 state. Its loud voice and unwariness make it a familiar 

 woodland object. It also ventures into town during the 

 winter and early spring, but keeps mostly to the woods. In 

 winter it forms one of the company of small birds which 

 range through the timber. 



Its food consists of both animal and vegetable matter. 

 The animal food is largely insects and the vegetable weed 

 seeds and small nuts. It is at all times a useful bird. 



288. (735.) Parus atricapillus Linn. 15. 



Chickadee. 

 Synonyms: Black-capped Chickadee, Eastern Chickadee, 



Black-capped Titmouse, Black-cap. 

 Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 164. 



There is hardly a more familiar bird in the state than 

 either this more northern Chickadee or the next species. It 

 comes into the dooryard during the winter, looking for any 

 chance crumb, or for the suet which you may have thrown 

 out or tied to some convenient tree. It generally retires to 

 the woods at nesting-time, and is little seen then, but a 

 whistled imitation of the pe te call will usually bring an 

 answer and the bird himself after a little. The Chickadee 

 is one of the most inquisitive of birds, and can readily be 

 taught to feed from one's hand. It is well worth while to 

 take a little time to cultivate the acquaintance of the birds 

 which are sure to visit your yard at some time during the 

 winter, for once they find provisions put out for them they 

 become regular visitors, and soon call other birds to the 

 feast. A bone not too closely picked, tied to a tree or nailed 

 to a board placed convenient to the window, will do very 

 well. They are also fond of suet, and broken nut meats are 

 eagerly taken. 



