The Tree Creeper. 25 



of quick jumps, but so rapid are these movements 

 that, if the bird be not closely watched, it seems to 

 be creeping evenly up the trunk, and hence, no 

 doubt, its name of Tree Creeper. 



It climbs in its elegant way by means of the 

 claws and tail. The claws are long and curved, and 

 number four on each foot, three pointing forward, 

 and one backward, the latter being twice as long, 

 and much stouter than the others. (Fig. 10, p. 37.) 

 With these it grasps the bark securely, and with the 

 help of its tail, which is always kept curved down 

 upon the bark, the bird easily supports its light 

 weight as it moves up the trunk. 



The feathers of the tail, which are twelve in 

 number, are stiff and pointed, and resemble those of 

 the woodpecker in shape and texture. (Fig. 6.) 



Though the Creeper appears to be very sombre in 

 colour when viewed from a distance, on closer in- 

 spection it is seen to be very prettily marked and 

 pencilled. Its general colouring is very protective, 

 being similar to that of the bark of the trees up which 

 it climbs. If suddenly disturbed, it will quickly 

 place itself on the side of the tree farthest from the 

 intruder, and thus it is often passed by unseen. 

 Its shy and unpretending character, and its protective 

 colouring, account for the Tree Creeper being con- 

 sidered more rare than is really the case. 



