56 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 



The fourth member of the Sittincs sub-family in America is the 

 pigmy nuthatch, known scientifically as Sitta pygmcsa, a genuine 

 westerner, not known east of the plains. However, in the Rocky 

 Mountain district he is an abundant species, his range east and west 

 being from the plains to the Pacific coast and north and south from the 

 Canadian boundary to the mountains of Mexico. Swinging and glid- 

 ing about among the pines, performing the same antics as his eastern 

 kinsmen, he utters a cheery whistle, that may be translated, "whit, 

 whit, whit." His movements are often so rapid that he is difficult to 

 follow with the eye as he flits from one tree to another or dashes amid 

 the branches. He scarcely remains quiet long enough for you to note 

 his markings and settle his identity, but once you are sure of him, you 

 will never mistake him for another bird. 



In Colorado there is little of a migratory movement even up and 

 down the mountains among these interesting birdlets. In the winter 

 a few descend from the heights and dwell on the plains, where the 

 weather is not so rigorous. On the approach of spring they again hie 

 up into the mountains, spending the summer there and rearing their 

 pretty bairns. However, the majority of them remain in the mountains 

 all winter, braving the bitterest and fiercest storms often at an altitude 

 of 8,000 feet. Their breeding range is from 6,000 to 10,000 feet, the 

 latter elevation being only a little below timber line. 



Spite of his unique and interesting habits, the poets have scarcely 

 begun to chant the praises of the American nuthatch. One of the best 

 tributes I have been able to find is from the pen of Edith Thomas, 

 who apostrophizes our bird in this way: 



"Shrewd little haunter of woods all gray. 

 Whom I meet on my walk of a winter day, 

 You're busy inspecting each cranny and hole 

 In the ragged bark of yon hickory bole; 

 You intent on your task, and I on the law 

 Of your wonderful head and gymnastic claw ! 



The woodpecker well may despair of this feat — 



Only the fly with you can compete! 



So much is clear; but I fain would know 



How you can so reckless and fearless go. 



Head upward, head downward, all one to you, 



Zenith and nadir the same to your view." 

 We have now described the American nuthatch quartette, and will 

 turn to other fields no less inviting, albeit more remote. The nuthatch 

 of central Europe, scientifically known as Sitta cwsia, is closely related 



