CREEPERS. 



73 



with the Scansores. In several of the genera, the 

 shafts of the tail-feathers are strong and rigid, 

 and their tips are lengthened beyond the barbs, 

 as in the Woodpeckers, and from the same cause, 

 the wearing away of the more fragile parts in the 

 constant friction of the tip of the tail against per- 

 pendicular surfaces ; this organ being thrown in, 

 and pressed against the tree or wall, as a support 

 in climbing. 



GENUS CERTHIA. (LiNN.) 



The beak in this genus is moderately long, 

 more or less curved, triangular at the base, com- 

 pressed at the sides, slender, and pointed : the 

 wings are moderate, the fourth quill the longest : 

 the tail is lengthened, graduated, the middle fea- 

 thers the longest ; the shafts of the feathers are 

 stiff, and project beyond the tips, which are 

 pointed : the feet are large, the claws slender, that 

 of the back toe long and much curved. 



The common Creeper (Certhia familiaris, 

 LINN.) is one of the smallest of British birds, 

 being not more than five inches in total length ; it 

 is of a yellowish-brown above, the under parts 

 being white. It is generally distributed through- 

 out Europe, as well as through the United States 

 of North America, It is common enough in the 

 British Islands, though, on account of its shy 

 and recluse habits, frequenting large woods, and 

 well-timbered parks, as well as its habit of creep- 

 ing about the trunks of trees, where its brown 

 hue renders it difficult to be discerned, it has 

 been accounted rare. Wilson has graphically de- 

 lineated its manners in the following terms : 



