474 SITTID.E. 



require recognition as a distinct form. The Nuthatches 

 are a small and peculiar group, having an unquestionahle 

 affinity to the Treecreepers on the one hand, and to the Tit- 

 mouse-family on the other, hut possessing no structural 

 character which can justify their being placed near the 

 Woodpeckers, as has commonly been done. The birds of 

 this genus, by means of their powerful feet — for their tail- 

 feathers do not, as in the Treecreepers, afford them any 

 support — climb with short quick jerks over the bark of trees 

 or the surface of rock, with equal ease in any direction — 

 sideways, upwards or downwards, their motions more re- 

 sembling those of a mouse than of a bird. Our species of 

 Nuthatch is an interesting bird, and a great favourite with 

 all its observers ; it inhabits woods, plantations and parks, 

 particularly such as contain old oaks, beeches and other large 

 forest-trees. It is resident here all the year, approaching 

 orchards and gardens in winter ; but no wider migratory 

 movement seems to have been recorded. 



The names of Nuthatch, Nuthack and Nutjobber have 

 been given to this bird from its habit of feeding at one 

 season of the year on the kernels of hazel-nuts. These it 

 plucks from the bough or seeks when they have fallen to 

 the ground, and flies with them between its mandibles to 

 some tree or post, cleverly fixing them as though in a vice in 

 some angular chink or crevice. It then hammers with the 

 point of its bill at the shell until that is broken. Each stroke 

 is delivered with the bird's full strength, and, working as it 

 does from the hip-joint, the whole weight of its body is 

 added to the force of the blow. While thus noisily employed 

 — for the sound of the strokes can be heard at a considerable 

 distance— it will often admit of very near approach, and the 

 observer may then admire the skill with which the little 

 workman will spring after any piece of the kernel that may 

 be driven off by the violence of the blow, catch the morsel 

 in the air, and quickly return to its occupation. The same 

 feat is performed should the whole nut, not being at first 

 tightly fastened, fly off, and then a new attempt is made and 

 perhaps a fresh chink sought. It treats beech-mast and 



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