TITMOUSE. 
235 
fruits, insects and their larvoe, which they dislodge from every re- 
treat, and in this pursuit sometimes injure, in some degree, the buds 
of trees. They perforate seed-vessels, hard seeds, and even nuts and 
almonds, to obtain their contents ; they likewise feed on flesh, and 
are fond of fat. Sometimes they carry their depredations so far as to 
pursue and attack sickly birds, even of their own species, commenc- 
ing, like Jays, by piercing the skull, and devouring the brain. They 
are of a quarrelsome disposition, and often attack larger birds, killing 
the weaker, and are very resolute in defence of their young. They 
breed once a year, lay many eggs, in some species even 18 or 20 
Their voice is commonly unpleasant, and their chatter monotonous. 
Their flesh is scarcely better than that of . the Rook or Crow. They 
are readily tamed, and may be fed with cheese, nuts, and oily seeds. 
They inhabit all climates, except that of South America. In many 
respects (as justly observed by the Prince of Musignano) they ap- 
proach the character and manners of the Jays. 
The genus presents 2 sections in the habits of the species, in the 
§ 1st or Sylvans, of Temminck r 
The 1st quill feather is of a moderate length. — These live in 
the woods and thickets, and nest in the accidental holes of trees. — - 
The 2d section, which construct artful nests, do not exist in America* 
