The Tree Creeper. 25 
of quick jumps, but so rapid are these movements 
that, if the bird be not closely watched, it seems to 
be creeping evenly up the trunk, and hence, no 
doubt, its name of Tree Creeper. 
It climbs in its elegant way by means of the 
claws and tail. The claws are long and curved, and 
number four on each foot, three pointing forward, 
and one backward, the latter being twice as long, 
and much stouter than the others. (Fig. 10, p. 37.) 
With these it grasps the bark securely, and with the 
help of its tail, which is always kept curved down 
upon the bark, the bird easily supports its light 
weight as it moves up the trunk. 
The feathers of the tail, which -are twelve in 
number, are stiff and pointed, and resemble those of 
the woodpecker in shape and texture. (Fig. 6.) 
Though the Creeper appears to be very sombre in 
colour when viewed from a distance, on closer in- 
spection it is seen to be very prettily marked and 
pencilled. Its general colouring is very protective, 
being similar to that of the bark of the trees up which 
it climbs. If suddenly disturbed, it will quickly 
place itself on the side of the tree farthest from the 
intruder, and thus it is often passed by unseen. 
Its shy and unpretending character, and its protective 
colouring, account for the Tree Creeper being con- 
sidered more rare than is really the case. 
