74 



STORIES ABOUT BIRDS. 



out in the same manner. Its tip is hard and sharp, and can run through the 

 insect Hke a spear. 



In the picture you see him at his daily work in the woods. He is chnging 

 with his sliarp httle claws to the bark of the tree. He has mounted up by a 

 number of short jerks, and every time he jerked he uttered a shrill small cry. 



THE COMMON TREE-CREEPER. 



You would be amused if you sat and watched how he climbs and winds 

 about. Now he goes right round the trunk, and you lose sight of him. But 

 not for long ; in a few minutes he comes back. He crouches close to the tree, 

 and presses his tail against it. You see him pick something out of a crack 

 with his tongue, and give another little jerk forward. He is never at rest for 

 a moment. 



