176 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Dec. 



the black of head and back is washed with bluish-gray. About 

 same size as the house sparrow. 



Sitta canadensis, the Red-breasted Nuthatch. Adult male 

 has upper parts and middle tail feathers bluish-gray ; top of head 

 and line through the eye black; a white line over the eye ; throat 

 white ; underparts rufous. Female similar, but the top of head and 

 stripe through the eye bluish-gray, like the back; under parts 

 paler. Size smaller than the goldfinch. 



These two species of nuthatch are similar in habits; their 

 calls being the well known yank, yank, and various twitterings 

 as they search for food among the tree-tops. 



The erratic clamberings of these birds serve to distinguish 

 them from any other of our feathered friends; creeping about 

 on trees, head downwards, is characteristic of the species. 



The nest is made in a cavity dug into a tree trunk, and is 

 composed of fine shreds of bark, fur and feathers. The entrance 

 to the cavity is always more or less smeared about with balsam 

 gathered from fir trees. This is carried in the bird's bill and put 

 in place, evidentlv to serve as a protection and keep out climbing 

 mice and squirrels, as this substance would very much entangle 

 the fur of these rodents. The eggs number from five to eight and 

 are white with numerous brownish specks. The period of 

 incubation is about ten to twelve days, and is engaged in by both 

 birds. The food is chiefly insects, but probably seeds are also 

 eaten to some extent. Both are permanent residents with us, and 

 often come about buildings in search of flies hidden in crevices. 

 They may also be seen about horse droppings along roads lead- 

 ing through wooded tracts. 



Among the warblers we have several which show more or 

 less blue in their plumage. In only one species, however, is the 

 blue very noticeable. 



Dendroica coronata, the Myrtle Warbler, also known as 

 Yellow-rumped Warbler. Adult male with a yellow patch on 

 crown, rump and either side of the breast; upper parts bluish- 

 gray with black streaks; two white wing-bars; throat white; 

 breast and upper belly marked with black; lower belly white. 

 Female similar, less plainly marked. About size of the goldfinch. 

 This species is a common summer resident, frequenting mixed 

 growths of young trees. This is our first warbler to arrive in 

 spring, coming sometimes in April and staying until late 

 September. 



Dendroica c^rulescexs. the Black-throated Blue Warbler. 

 Adult male has upper parts grayish-blue; back sometimes 

 blackish; wings and tail edged with blue; sides of head and 

 throat black ; ?^breast and belly white ; also a white spot on middle 

 of closed wing. Female paler on upper parts; back olive-green,. 



