CALIFORNIA NUTHATCH. 13.3 



Mountains; never seen in large flocks, but 

 usually alone, or in twos and threes. Remained 

 about Colville during the winter, when the 

 temperature was 30 below zero. Nests in holes 

 in the branches of the tallest pine-trees, so high 

 as to render getting the eggs almost an im- 

 possibility. They nest early in June. 



RED-BELLIED NUTHATCH (Sitta canadensis, 

 Linn.). Very common on Vancouver Island 

 and on the Sumass prairies, but rather a rare 

 bird between the Cascades and Rocky Mountains. 

 I have seldom seen more than one or two 

 together, and then generally in dark swampy 

 places. Nests in holes in dead trees ; eggs laid 

 on the dust made in working out the hole. 



CALIFORNIA NUTHATCH. (Sitta pygmcea, 

 Vigors). An abundant little bird along the 

 entire length of the Boundary-line from the coast 

 to the Rocky Mountains, also common on Van- 

 couver Island : you always see these little fellows 

 in large flocks in company with the Chickadees, 

 except during the nesting-time, which is in 

 June. A few remain about Colville during the 

 winter, but the greater portion leave in November. 



These most active birds are always on the 

 move ; after nesting-time they congregate in 

 large flocks, and, rejoining their companions the 



