Titmice. 



29 



is bluish black, the sides of the neck are white, the under 

 part of the body is light brown, while the upper part is olive- 

 brown, of varying shades. It builds its nest much in the 

 same manner as the coal-tit, in holes in stumps of trees and 

 in holes in the earth. 



We now come to three species of tits that are undoubtedly 

 useful to agriculture, because they are not only more nume- 

 rous than the other members of the same family, but they live 

 near human habitations, and are found in every garden and 

 orchard. In this trio the first place may be given to the 



The Great Titmouse (Parus major). 



great tit. The great tit is a voracious devourer of insects ot 

 all kinds and in all stages. Yarrell remarks that it is 

 indefatigable in search ot food, and, being fearless in 

 disposition, it may be readily observed climbing the trunks 

 of trees, or hanging suspended from the under surfaces ot 

 branches while examining every cavity, leaf, or bud that is 

 likely to afford shelter to any of its numerous insect-prey. 

 This description of its habits is corroborated by Seebohm. 

 Late in the autumn, small seeds and fruit form part of its diet, 

 but, according to the last-mentioned authority, its young are 

 fed entirely on small caterpillars and grubs. The French 



