290 THE RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH. 
Being non-migratory (with the irregular exception of S. canadensis) 
Nuthatches are called upon to endure the rigors of a northern climate with its 
occasional drop to thirty below; but this does not give them or their fellows 
great concern, because of the unfailing character of their food supply. Beside 
that, please remember that feathers and fat afford the warmest protection 
known. 
No. 112. 
RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH. 
A. O. U. No. 728. Sitta canadensis Linn. 
Synonyms.—REeEpD-BELLIED NuTHATCH. CANADIAN NUTHATCH. 
Description.—Adult male: Crown and nape shining black; white sup- 
erciliary lines meeting on extreme forehead; a black band thru eye; remaining 
upperparts grayish blue; wings fuscous, unmarked; tail feathers, except upper 
pair, black; the outer pairs subterminally blotched with white in retreating order ; 
chin, and sides of head, and neck below the black, pure white; remaining under- 
parts rusty or ochraceous brown; bill short, subulate, plumbeous-black; feet dark 
brown. Adult female: Similar, but crown like the back, with only traces of black 
beneath; lateral head-stripe blackish; usually paler rusty below. Jimmature: 
Like adult female. Length, 4.25-4.75 (108-120.6) ; average of seven specimens: 
wings 2.61 (66.3) ; tail 1.43 (36.3) ; bill .5o (12.7). 
Recognition Marks.—Pyemy size; black and grayish blue above; rusty 
below; tree-creeping habits. 
Nesting.—WNest: of grasses, feathers, etc., in a hole of tree or stub, excavated 
by the bird, usually at lower levels. Eggs: 4-6, white or creamy white, speckled 
with reddish brown and lavender. Average size, .63 x .48 (16x 12.2). Season: 
first week in May; one brood. 
General Range.—North America at large, breeding from northern New 
England, northern New York, and northern Michigan northward, and southward 
in the Alleghanies, Rocky Mountains, and Sierra Nevada; in winter south to 
about the southern border of the United States. 
Range in Washington.—Common resident and migrant in timbered sections 
thruout the State, more numerous in the mountains; winter residents are, possibly, 
Alaskan birds. 
Authorities.— ? Ornithological Committee, Journ. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila. VII. 
1837, 193 (Columbia River). Cooper and Suckley, Rep. Pac. R. R. Sury. XII. 
Dyin IU, teXSio}, tiv, AD, (CSIRO, IDS Sie, Ra, IDE. Iie I 18}, 1B 
Specimens.—U. of W. P'. Prov. B. 
THERE is nothing big about the Red-breasted Nuthatch save his voice. 
If undisturbed, birdikins pursues the even tenor of his ways, like any other 
winged bug-hunter; but once provoke his curiosity or arouse suspicion, 
