94 



PASSERES. 



Fig. 47. — The Stru'ed-headed Tree-Creei>er {Dcndrocolaptcs lineatocephalus). 



adapted for climbing or running upon the bark of trees. In size some of the 

 group equal an ordinary blackbird, and must necessarily consume insects in- 

 numerable ; we have, however, no explicit details regarding their habits in their 

 native woods, either as relates to their mode of procuring sustenance, the posi- 

 tion of their nests, or the materials of which they construct the cradles for their 

 progeny. 



The type of this sub-family is the Dcndrocolaptcs lincatoccpJialus. 



Sub- Family IV. 

 THE CREEPERS PROPER. CERTHIN.^. 



General Characteristics. — Toes very long and slender, the outer toe longer than 

 the inner, united beyond the first joint, and the inner toe as far as the first joint of 

 the middle toe, the hind toe very long and slender; the claws long, much compressed, 

 and curved. 



The Creepers constitute a group of beautiful small birds, in- 

 habiting Europe, Asia, and the temperate parts of North America. 

 They are met with wherever trees are abundant, where they may 

 be seen creeping upon the trunks, generally commencing at the 



