290 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 (Z7voglodylide) are 
chiefly denizens of tropical Amer- 
ica, though a number of species are 
Fic. 318.—American titlark. 
familiar visitors about Northern 
homes. The common house wren 
( Troglodytes edon) is about five inch- 
es long, and of a brown hue. The 
nest is generally found near the 
egeie j Fic. 319.—Nest of the 
habitation of man, in holes or crev- tailor-bird of India or 
ices, in which five or six pale red- China, 
dish eggs are laid. _ 
Allied are the nuthatches, European hanging tit (Fig. 
320), stone-chat, bluebird, and others. 
The water-ousel (Cizclid@) 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 
