48 SOME CANADIAN BIRDS. 



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climbing down a tree head first, and lias stopped on the way to see 

 who is coming. 



When nesting time arrives these birds search for a hole in a 

 decayed tree — a deserted wood-pecker's nest or any similar cavity 

 suits them well— wherein to esbiblish a home. To this apartment 

 the pair carry dry loaves, grass, feathers and hair, whicii they neatly 

 arrange on the bottom of the excavation, and in this cosy and com- 

 fortable chamber madam deposits her set of eggs, and then patiently 

 warms them into life. The eggs — usually live, but eight and ten 

 have been found — are about the size of a chipping sparrow's, and 

 are of a delicate roseate tint, spotted all over the surface with several 

 shades of brown and lilac. 



While the female is sitting her mate attends her with devoted 

 zeal, carrying her food and guarding her from d.ingerous intrusion. 



After the young are on the wing the family roam through the 

 adjacent woodlands and into the village streets. They do not 

 always limit their wanderings to the villages, for one November 

 day I saw several of these feathered gymnasts in the yard at 

 Harvard, while not a hundred paces from them a thousand men, 

 in their noisy, college way, were doing honor to a team of football 

 heroes. ' 



The white-breasted nuthatch occurs throughout the Eastern Pro- 

 vinces, but while it is found ia the more southern portions of Ontario 

 during the winter months as well as in summer, it is seen elsewhere 

 in summer only. 



The plumage of the bird is decidedly attractive. The back is a 

 bluish ash tint ; the head and neck black ; the wings black, blue, 

 and white, and the tail black and white. The female differs from 

 the male in wearing on her head and neck feathers of a dull ash or 

 bluish tint, instead of deep black. ' 



The bird has no song, but the call note is repeated with such 

 frequency, especially in the breeding season, that it may pass in 

 lieu of song. It is certain that the male uses this call often to cheer 

 his sitting mate as well as to apprise her of his approach. It cannot 

 be called a musical cry — it is something like a gutteral hank — yet it 

 is striking and not easily confused with other woodland sounds. 



