590 General Notes. [o^. 



Additions to the 'Birds of Liberty County, Ga.' — Owing to an 

 unfortunate misunderstanding several species were omitted at the end of 

 Mr. W. J. Erichson's list in the July ' Auk.' These are given below and 

 follow in regular order at the end of the published list (p. 393). — (Editor). 



38. Sitta pusilla. Brown-headed Nuthatch. — This confiding little 

 bird inhabits open pine barrens where there is an abundance of dead trees 

 and stubs. They generally select for a nesting site a pine stub from which 

 the bark has not fallen, although, when handy, fence posts are not infre- 

 quently used. Four nests of this bird were located, one containing two 

 eggs which were subsequently destroyed, the other three containing five 

 eggs each. The heights varied from twelve inches to seven feet. These 

 nests were almost wholly composed of pine seed-wings, with the exception 

 of a small amount of the silky fiber from the exterior of cocoons and some 

 inner bark of different species of trees, particularly of the cypress. A large 

 amount of the seed-wings is deposited in the nesting hole, and an enor- 

 mous amount of energy is expended by the birds in the construction of 

 their nests, as, from repeated observations, I have noted that these seed- 

 wings are carried to the hole one at a time. The Brown-headed Nuthatch 

 breeds early, although but a single brood is raised. They are close sitters, 

 and it is necessary at times to remove the sitting bird with the hand. 

 Nesting dates for the county are March 19, March 27 (two nests), and 

 April 3. 



39. Penthestes carolinensis carolinensis. Carolina Chickadee. 

 — Simultaneous with the appearance of the down on the stalk of the 

 cinnamon and royal ferns, which occurs during the middle of March, the 

 Chickadee begins nest-building, for this material is used largely by the birds 

 in lining their nests. As far as my observations go, the birds, in gathering 

 the down, always begin at the top of the stalk and work downward. The 

 green moss that collects on the trunks of certain species of hardwoods is 

 also used to a considerable extent, being always placed in the nesting hole 

 first, and upon it the down is deposited. Fur of the rabbit is frequently 

 interwoven with the down, making a snug and warm home. In all of the 

 nests examined there was a noticeable difference in the height of the wall 

 on one side, the difference being in some instances an inch and a half. On 

 leaving the nest the birds cover the eggs with this flap by bending it down. 

 I have yet to find a nest of this species containing eggs which was not 

 covered during the owner's absence. 



The Carolina Chickadee's choice of nesting sites is a small, rotten hard- 

 wood stump in low, swampy land, although fence posts near dwellings are 

 not infrequently selected. According to my observations this species 

 does not always excavate a hole for itself, deserted holes of the Downy 

 and other woodpeckers and natural cavities in trees being often used. 



Nesting dates for the county are: April 3, five eggs; April 5, six eggs; 

 April 12, four eggs; April 17, five eggs. Heights varied from four to 

 twenty-two feet, the nest noted April 17 being at the latter height. All of 



