36 



PARUS. TITMOUSE. 

 Generic Character. 



Rostrum validiusculum, in- 

 tegerrimum, subcompres- 

 sum, basi setis tectum. 



Lingua truncata, setis termi- 

 nata. 



Pedes simplices, digitis tribus 

 anticis, uno postico. 



Beak strong, intire, a little 

 compressed, hard, with the 

 base covered with reflected 

 bristles. 



Tongue truncated, the end 

 terminated with bristles. 



Feet simple, with three toes 

 before, and one behind. 



TThE Titmice are noted for the peculiar elegant 

 construction of their nests, which are composed of 

 the softest materials ; many of them are fastened 

 to the extreme end of a small branch of a tree that 

 projects over the water, by which contrivance they 

 are w^ell secured from the attacks of quadrupeds 

 and reptiles. They are very prolific, even to a 

 proverb, many of them laying near twenty eggs, 

 which they attend with great solicitude, and pro- 

 vide for their young with the most indefatigable 

 industry : they are very lively and active little 

 birds ; are constantly in motion ; and possess a 

 great degree of strength and courage, many of 

 them venturing to attack birds above three times 

 their own size ; they will even pursue an Owl with 

 fury, endeavouring to destroy its eyes. When they 



