( 299 ) 

 THE WHITE-BREA^STED NUTHATCH. 



SiTTA CAROLINENSIS, BrISS. 

 PLATE CLII. Male and Female. 



Only three species of Nuthatch have as yet been observed within the 

 limits of the United States. My opinion however is, that at least two 

 more wiU be discovered : — one larger than any of those known, in the 

 high wooded plains bordering the Pacific Ocean ; the other, of nearly the 

 size of the present species, towards the boundary line of Mexico and the 

 United States. 



Although the species now under consideration is found in aU parts of 

 our extensive country, it is yet the least numerous ; there being to ap- 

 pearance more than three of the Brown-headed, and two of the Red- 

 beUied, for every one of the White-breasted. It is an inhabitant of the 

 forest and the orchard, frequently approaching to the very doors of the 

 farm-houses during winter, when it is not unusually seen tapping at the 

 eaves beneath the roof, thrusting itself into barns and houses, or search- 

 ing for food among the poultry on the grou7id, where it moves prettily by 

 short hops. During summer it gives a preference to the interior of the 

 forest, and lives in a retired and secluded manner, especially during the 

 breeding season. Although a lively bird, its actions are less animated, 

 and it exhibits less petulance and restlessness than the other species. It 

 moves alertly, however, when searching for food, climbing or retrograding 

 downwards or sidewise, with cheerfulness and a degree of liveliness, 

 which distinguish it at once from other birds. Now and then it has a 

 quaint look, if I may so speak, while watching the observer, clinging to 

 the bark head downward, and perhaps only a few feet distant from him 

 whom it well knows to be its enemy, or at least not its friend, for many 

 farmers, not distinguishing between it and the Sap-sucker (Picus pube- 

 scens), shoot at it, as if assured that they are doing a commendable action. 



During the breeding season, the affection which this bird ordinarily 

 shews to its species, is greatly increased. Two of them may be seen bu- 

 sily engaged in excavating a hole for their nest in the decayed portion of 

 the trunk or branch of a tree, all the time congratulating each other in 



