G8 FOOD OF WEST VIRGINIA BIRDS 



the tree trunks in search of various forms of insect life that are hidden 

 away under the edges of the bark. These are the White-breasted and 

 the Red-breasted Nuthatch. The former is very common and the latter 

 quite rare. Sometimes these little birds are called "Sapsuckers," but 

 the name is incorrect. Some of the insects upon which they feed are 

 extremely harmful. It is a well established fact that they destroy great 

 numbers of insects that are harmful to our forests and orchards. The 

 diet is varied, now and then, with a few nuts, weed-seeds, grains, and 

 fruits, though, for the most part, the food is made up of harmful insects. 



Titmice. 



Like the Nuthatches the Titmice search assiduously among the 

 branches and along the trunks of trees for insects that may be found 

 in such places. All three species, the Carolina Chickadee, the Black- 

 capped Chickadee and the Tufted Titmouse, are entirely beneficial and 

 no harmful act can be charged against them. They are small birds and 

 the Carolina Chickadee and the Tufted Titmouse are very common in 

 most parts of the State. High up in the mountains the other Chickadee 

 is found. Usually the two more common species are to be found in 

 great numbers in any locality and with their watchful eyes they seek 

 out many an insect and destroy it. The character of the food of these 

 little birds gives a peculiar value to their services, for it consists largely 

 of very small insects or eggs which the larger birds pass by unnoticed. 

 I believe the Tufted Titmouse is one of our most beneficial woodland 

 birds. 



Gnatcatcher and Kinglets. 



The Kinglets and the Blue-gray Gnatcatchers are exceedingly small 

 birds and their diminutive size causes us to know very little of them. 

 All three species live almost entirely on diminutive insects, such as 

 hide away among the leaves and leaf buds where other birds do not 

 find them. The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher is to be found here throughout 

 the summer, is very common and may be called a useful species. The 

 Ruby-crowned Kinglet is a migrant and is to be seen only in spring and 

 fall as it passes on its semi-annual migration flights. The Golden-crested 

 Kinglet remains in most sections of the State throughout the winter, 

 but is to be found in summer time high up in the mountains. The King- 

 lets are very useful birds because of the large number of tiny insects 

 which they destroy. 



Special Value. 



All the birds mentioned in this chapter are characterized by their 

 unusual activity and their persistence in searching for their insect 

 food. They go into many a hidden place where other birds do not usually 

 venture. In this way insects are killed that otherwise would escape. 

 Of particular value are the Nuthatches and Titmice because of their 

 diligent search for such insects as are harmful to our forests. 



