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OMNIVOROUS BIRDS. 
Note, This species is nearly allied to the Mocking Jay of Siberia 
(Corvus infaustus) , and the two appear to forma gradual passage 
from the proper Crows to the Nut-crackers ( Nucifraga of Brisson.) 
Family. — JEGITHALI. ( Vieill . Bonap.) 
The bill short, stout, straight, compressed, conic and pointed. 
Nostrils, towards the base of the bill, half closed by a membrane, and 
covered by small incumbent feathers. The feet rather robust ; legs 
naked ; the outer toes united, at least, at the base ; hind toe and nail 
largest. Tail of 12 feathers. 
These are lively and active little birds, living in woods and on 
trees, frequently suspending themselves by the claws to the under- 
side of the branches, and climbing up or down. They feed much on 
insects, and sometimes on fruits and seeds ; they breed chiefly in the 
holes of decayed trees ; a few build very artful nests ; they have 
many eggs. The voice is rather unpleasant. 
The TITMOUSE. (Pares. L.) 
Bill short, straight, strong, conic, compressed, entire, edged and 
pointed, having bristles at the base : the upper mandible longer, 
rounded above, and slightly curved. The nostrils, at the base of 
the bill, rounded, and concealed by the advancing feathers. The 
tongue blunt and cleft, or entire and acute. Feet rather large, the 
toes almost wholly divided ; the nail of the hind toe strongest, and 
most curved. Wings , the 1st primary of moderate length, or very 
short ; the 2d much shorter than the the 3d ; the 4th and 5th are 
longest. — The female and young differ little from the adult. They 
moult annually ; and their plumage is long and slender. 
These are familiar, active, and restless birds, of a peevish and cour- 
ageous disposition, and great enemies to insects. They move by 
short and sudden leaps and flights from branch to branch, suspend- 
ing themselves readily in all attitudes. They live in families, in 
woods or marshes, and approach gardens and orchards during au- 
tumn and winter. They are strictly omnivorous, feeding on grain, 
