( 59.) 
than half the length of the 2nd; tail in most of the species, short 
and square. One species at least is fairly common in Darjeeling. 
The nuthatch climbs with ease. It works up the side of a tree 
with great facility, after the manner of woodpeckers, only with 
greater agility and can come down again head-first when disposed to 
do so, an accomplishment Prcidw never acquire. This development of 
enforced climbing has given the nuthatch a well developed hind toe 
and inner front toe dwarfed. They feed chiefly on insects, occa- 
sionally a berry or two. In size they are small about 54 inches in 
length. Compared with Woodpeckers, they apparently have a closer 
affinity to Vungipicus pigmy Woodpeckers. Nuthatches get their name 
from the partiality British species show for nuts, which they store up 
for a rainy day. Out in India and, may be more so, in the Hima- 
layas these birds are not so thrifty. Doubtlessly too much familiar- 
ity with insects, has bred a contempt for storing, as for nuts, they 
seem to have discarded altogether such luxuries. Like Picide they 
seem to have fallen back on insectivorous diet. 
(248) Serva HiMALAYENsIs, /V/hite-tuiled Nuthatch, may now and 
then be seen in spring, in thickly wooded parts of Darjeeling; but 
like angel’s visits, it is becoming, each year rarer, owing to the 
ruthless cutting down of fine picturesque timber trees. Himalayen- 
sis though much like in colour and habits to other species, has a 
biggish white patch on the tail; two central rectrices, the remaining 
tail-feathers whitish tipped. Himalayensis is about 45 inehes in 
length. 
(251) SITTA CINNAMOMEOVENTRIS, Cinnamon-bellied Nuthatch, is 
the commonest species we have in Darjeeling not unlike the former 
bird. It makes a peculiar took-took-took noise and is usually seen, 
working its way up the bark of trees, tapping for insects. I have 
frequently seen them in Silver Spring forest, or rather all that’s left 
of this once fine forest, and the more wooded portions above the 
house. This nuthatch is readily recognised by its predominating 
plumbeous colour; bright cinnamon or chesnut breast and abdomen. 
It has a black streak on side of the head; tail black, with a white 
spoton the inner web of the feathers, notalways conspicuous. These 
nuthatches are usually seen in pairs, but generally a bit apart, 
climbing different trees or proceeding along the lateral branches. 
Between their labours they keep up a cheerful fook-look note to keep 
each other within their call, I take it, for they are extremely active 
and cover a good bit of ground in their peregrinations. How . these, 
and many other birds don’t get lost and ever come together again 
is marvellous. J have carefully marked certain pairs, on several 
occasions and have not infrequently found.the,one with the other 
year by year. This nuthatch is 4$ inches in length. 
