OCTOBER (^) I NOVEMBER 2017 birdsandblooms.com 49
BACKYARD CHAT
From monarch migration to mystery birds, our pros have the answers.
JOHN GILL
Q In an ornithology college
course, I was told that the plural
of titmouse is always titmouses,
not titmice. Which is correct?
Jim Worrell RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA
Kenn and Kimberly: The word titmouse doesn’t have
any connection to the rodent. Instead, the second syllable
is based on the Old English word mase, which means
“small bird.” Technically, there’s no reason why mouse and
mice should match titmouse and titmice. A purist would
probably say titmouses is correct. On the other hand, a
couple of major dictionaries (and bird guides) give titmice
as plural. So you can probably get away with either!
SEED SMUGGLERS
As summer turns to
fall, titmice switch up
their diet from insects
to seeds, nuts and
berries. They take full
advantage of feeders
and spirit away seeds
to store for winter.
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