BROWN CHEEPER. 



726. Certhia familiaris americana. 5% inches. 



Tail feathers stiffened and pointed; rump rusty. 



These odd birds are fairly common throughout the 

 United States in winter. They will be found in woods 

 always climbing up tree trunks, carefully investigating 

 every crevice in the bark for larvae or grubs. When they 

 reach the top of one tree, they drop to the foot of the 

 next and continue the operation. They are very tame, 

 not seeming to comprehend that danger can befall them, 

 for they will allow anyone to approach very closely, so 

 that they have been caught under a hat. 



Song. A very faint trill; call, a weak "tseep," 

 hardly noticeable unless very near them. 



Nest. Of twigs, moss and bark, behind loose bark 

 on dead trees or stumps, usually not high above the 

 ground ; eggs white, specked with reddish brown. 



Range. Eastern N. A., breeding from northern New 

 England and Minnesota northward; winters throughout 

 the U. S. 



