222 CLASS AVES. 



parents, form tliose flocks of from ten to t\venty which are 

 observed from the end of summer, and after the winter, 

 flying, and uttering their shrill calls of appeal. Each family 

 lives isolated, and do not unite with others. They emigrate, 

 but only to short distances ; where, during the inclement 

 season, they may find more food, and better shelter. This 

 titmouse has, besides its habitual cry, a tolerably pleasant 

 song. They are very seldom caught, whether from their 

 distrustful character, or our ignorance of the proper bait to 

 employ — but the flesh is by no means a " bonne bouche.'''' 



This is an European species, and is even found in Siberia. 



The Bearded Titmouse (P. Biarmicus) is found in con- 

 siderable numbers in Holland, and is frequent enough here, 

 in marshes where reeds abound, the seeds of which serve it 

 as food. It also lives on small insects, and, in default of 

 them, on water snails, which it swallows entire with their 

 shells. 



The biarmicus appears to have few or none of the habits 

 of its congeners. It runs through the reeds at the edge of 

 the water like a wagtail- Its crop has been found filled with 

 those little shell animals above-mentioned. 



Latham regards this bird as indigenous to Great Britain, 

 for it is seen here all the year round. The nest is made of 

 soft and downy materials, and it is suspended between three 

 reeds, which the birds have the dexterity to draw together. 

 It is rather of a close texture, and composed of the tops of 

 dry grass, mixed with reeds and rushes, and interspersed 

 with small leaves. The eggs are four or five, of a reddish 

 white, spotted with brown. If we may judge of this bird 

 when at liberty from its behaviour in captivity, . we should 

 say that its manners are more mild and social than those of 

 the other titmice. The male and female show much attach- 

 ment for each other, and will even extend their cares to 

 young canary-birds. It is even said, that when these birds 



