CHICKADEE. 
149 
In this fact, with so many others, we have an additional evi- 
dence of affinity between the Titmouse and Jay, particularly 
that short-billed section which includes the Garrulus cana- 
densis and G. infaustus. Even the blue color, so common 
with the latter, is possessed by several species of this genus. 
Indeed, from their aggregate relation and omnivorous habit 
we see no better place of arrangement for these birds than 
succinctly after the Garruli, or Jays. 
Following the authority of I emminck and Montagu, I con- 
sidered this bird the same as the European Marsh litmouse. 
I have since seen the bird of Europe in its native country, and 
have good reason to believe it wholly different from our lively 
and familiar Chickadee. Unlike our bird, it is rather shy, seldom 
seen but in pairs or solitary, never in domestic premises, usu- 
ally and almost constantly near streams or watercourses, on 
the willows, alders, or other small trees impending over 
streams, and utters now and then a feeble complaining or 
querulous call, and rarely If ever the chicka dee-dee. It also 
makes a noise in the spring, as it is said, like the whetting of a 
saw, which ours never does. The Chickadee is seldom seen 
near waters ; often, even in summer, in dry, shady, and se- 
cluded woods ; but when the weather becomes cold, and as 
early as October, roving families, pressed by necessity and the 
failure of their ordinary insect fare, now begin to frequent 
orchards and gardens, appearing extremely familiar, hungry, 
indigent, but industrious, prying with restless anxiety into every 
cranny of the bark or holes in decayed trees after dormant in- 
sects, spiders, and larvse, descending with the strictest economy 
to the ground in quest of every stray morsel of provision which 
happens to fall from their grasp. Their quaint notes and jing- 
ling warble are heard even in winter on fine days when the 
weather relaxes in its severity ; and, in short, instead of being 
the river hermit of its European analogue, it adds by its 
presence, indomitable action and chatter, an air of cheerful- 
ness to the silent and dreary winters of the coldest parts of 
America. 
