BIRDS OF 



quank, which is often the only evidence of animal life observed, 

 As a climber it has few equals, its long hind claw enabling it to 

 travel head downwards, a feat which the Woodpeckers do not 

 attempt. Its food consists chiefly of insects, which it finds 

 lurking in the crevices of the bark. It is also said to hide away 

 nuts and acorns in the holes of trees, a habit which may at first 

 have suggested its name. 



290. SITTA CANADENSIS (LINN.). 728. 

 Red-breasted Nuthatch. 



Above dark ashy-blue, tail as in carolinensis ; below rusty-brown ; wings 

 plain ; crown and nape glossy black, bordered by white superciliary line ; a 

 black line from bill through and widening beyond the eye. 



HAB. North America at large, breeding mostly north of the United 

 States, migrating south in winter. 



Nest, in a hole in a stub, about 8 inches deep, warmly lined with 

 down and feathers. 



Eggs, said to be similar to those of the White-bellied Nuthatch, but rather 

 less in size. 



As compared with the White-bellied Nuthatch, this is more 

 migratory in its habits, being seen in Southern Ontario only in 

 spring and fall, and is not at any time numerous. I have been 

 accustomed to think that those we get in the fall with the red- 

 breast were in full plumage, but recent observers state that 

 when in mature dress the lower parts are dirty white, 

 slightly shaded with brown on the sides, and that only 

 young birds have the lower parts uniform rusty-brown. 

 While here they are very active, showing a decided partiality 

 for the upper parts of pine trees, where they, no doubt, find 

 something to suit their taste. The note resembles that of the 

 White-bellied species, but is softer, weaker and more frequently 

 repeated. It arrives during the first week of May, and is lost 

 sight of again in September. 



292 



