820 Rural School Leaflet 



Thus it is that the two birds are often confused. The black throat of 

 the chickadee, however, distinguishes it from the nuthatch at the first 

 glance. Strange to say, the nuthatch has been confused also with the 

 sapsucker and has gained unjust censure thereby. How any one with 

 eyes could confuse these two birds is a mystery, for they resemble each 

 other in no particular nor in general appearance. 



Although the nuthatch finds much of its food on trees, Mr. Torrey tells 

 of seeing one awkwardly turning over the fallen leaves for hidden cocoons 

 and other things quite worth his while; and Mr. Baskctt tells of having 

 seen these birds catch flies in the air and become quite out of breath at 

 this unusual exercise. 



Audubon made some most interesting observations on nuthatches. He 

 says they may sleep hanging with head downward. He also says, of their 

 nesting habits, that " both birds work together, all the time congratulating 

 each other in the tenderest manner. The male, ever conspicuous on such 

 occasions, works som.e, and carries off the slender chips chiseled by the 

 female. He struts around her, peeps into the hole, cherups at intervals, 

 or hovers about her on the wing. While she is sitting on her eggs, he 

 seldom absents himself many moments; now with a full bill he feeds her, 

 now returns to be assured that her time is pleasantly spent." 



The red-breasted nuthatch is sometimes associated with its white- 

 breasted cousin; it is a smaller bird and is essentially a northern species. 

 The nuthatches get their name from their custom of wedging nuts and 

 acorns into bark and then hammering or hatching them open with their 

 strong bill. From every standpoint the nuthatches are most desirable 

 acquaintances, and we cannot spend our tim.e to better advantage than 

 in becoming familiar with their interesting habits. 



SUGGESTIONS FOR STUDY 



Observations on the appearance of the nuthatch. — i. What is the general 

 color of the nuthatch above and below ? 



2. The colors of the top and sides of the head? 



3 . The color of the throat and breast ? 



4. Colors of bill, legs, and feet? 



5. Color and markings of the wings? 



6. Colors and markings of the tail? 



7. What are the differences in color between the nuthatch and the 

 chickadee ? 



8. What is the difference in shape between the bill of the nuthatch and 

 that of the chickadee? 



Facts for teachers. — The general color of this bird is bluish gray above, 

 with white breast, and reddish beneath the tail. The top of the head 



