290 BRITAIN^S BIRDS AND THEIR NESTS. 



Only the more rocky stretches, however, are frequented 

 during the nesting season. 



The nest is usually very well concealed in some incon- 

 spicuous crevice of the rocks ; it is similar in structure and 

 materials to those of the other Pipits, and is built by 

 both birds. The eggs are four or five in number, rarely 

 six. They are variable in colour, showing from gi'ay to 

 bro^vn or even red in general effect. The markings are, 

 as a rule, the usual almost continuous clouds of minute 

 specks, but caps and zones may occur. Two broods are 

 reared in a season, the first set of eggs being laid about 

 the end of April. 



[The Tawny Pipit, an uncommon migrant, has probably 

 nested in Sussex.] 



Family, CERTHIID^ (Creepers). 



THE TREE-CREEPER 



(Certhia familiaris). 



Plate 102. 



Far more common than is generally supposed, this un- 

 obtrusive little bird immediately rivets the attention once 

 drawn to it. For it is peculiar in many ways, and is 

 striking in giving one the impression of being more mouse- 

 like than bird-like — a mere suggestion, of course, not a real 

 resemblance. In its movements the Creeper is characteristic, 

 and amply justifies its name. Seeds and grain are some- 

 times eaten, but insects form the bulk of the food. In 

 pursuit of these it diligently searches the bark of trees, 

 ascending in a spiral course, usually in short dashes made 

 by quick, jerky movements. On reaching the top of one 



