THE SEARCHERS. 



25 



and in their company make short excursions within the boundaries of their forest home. Insects, 

 eggs, larvs, spiders, and similar fare constitute their principal means of support. In search of these 

 the larger species bore the bark of trees after the manner of the Woodpecker, while the weaker 

 members of the group obtain a meal by exploring holes and crannies in the trunks and branches by 

 the aid of their sharp beaks. The voices of all are insignificant, and their habits generally quiet and 

 unsocial. Almost all build a large nest within the shelter of a tree-hole. 



THE COMMON TREE CREEPER. 

 The Common Tree Creeper {Certhia familians) is of a deep grey, spotted with white, the 

 under side being entirely of pure white ; the bridles and rump are brownish grey, the latter shaded 



THE COMMON TREE CREEPER (Csrthia familiaris). 



with yellowish red ; a white stripe passes over the eyes. The quills are deep brownish grey, and all 

 except the first are tipped with white, and have a whitish yellow line across the centre ; the tail- 

 feathers are brownish grey, those at tlie exterior edged with light yellow. The eye is dark brown, tlie 

 upper mandible black, and the lower portion of the beak reddish grey, as is the foot. The length of 

 this species is five, and its breadth seven inches ; the wing measures two inches and one-third, and the 

 tail two inches and one-sixth. 



The Common Tree Creeper is an inhabitant of the woodland districts and orchards of Europe 

 and Siberia, and is frequently found at a considerable elevation on such mountains as are not entirely 

 destitute of trees. Like other members of its family, it remains witliin a certain limited tract during 

 the breeding season, and after that period wanders over the surrounding country in company with 

 Titmice, Woodpeckers, and other birds. Its flight is rapid, but unsteady ; and during the greater pait 

 of the year it is restricted to the slight effort required to pass from one tree to another. Upon the 

 ground its movements are extremely awkward ; it is only among the branches that it displays the 

 VOL. in. — S3 



