NUTHATCH. 



301 



SITTA EUROPJEA, Leach*. 

 NUTHATCH. 



A not uncommon resident, throughout the county, 

 though offcener heard than seen as it runs in all direc- 

 tions over the rough stems and branches of trees, more 

 particularly those of the beech ; hammering at the bark 

 with its stout bill, after the manner of the woodpeckers, 

 or skilfully cracking a nut in some convenient fissure. 

 I have found them frequenting most of the large 

 gardens which abound in the close vicinity of this city, 

 as at Bracondale, Thorpe, and Earlham, and much 

 amusement has been afforded me, after discovering their 

 haunts, by placing nuts, or their kernels only, in such 



* Ornithologists are divided in opinion as to the identity of the 

 British Nuthatch with the Sitta europwa of Linnaeus. Those who 

 consider our bird to be distinct from that of Scandinavia apply to 

 it the name of Sitta ccesia, Meyer. 



