blotches or spots, being, instead of blotched and spotted, entirely and evenly speckled, so that a little 

 way off the shell appears pink. 



DIFFERENTIAL POINTS : 



There is a number of birds whose eggs resemble closely those of the Black and White Creeper, some 

 of them so closely that differentiation is impossible. These will be considered in the tables, and when- 

 ever possible, points of difference will be designated. If, however, the nest and eggs of these various 

 species are considered together, and the locality and position of each is stated, then no trouble will occur 

 in identification, as each has some characteristic noted in the text, which is sufficient to insure its 

 recognition. 



REMARKS : 



The three eggs figured, Plate LXVIII, Fig. 9, represent the common sizes, shapes, color, and 

 patterns of markings. The specimens illustrated were selected from three sets, all of which were taken 

 in Ohio, and one of them in Pickaway county. 



The Black and White Creeper is a bird easily recognized by its black and white streaked back, and 

 by its habit of climbing the trunks and limbs of trees after the manner of the Nuthatches and Chick- 

 adees. When seen in the woods, it is generally busily engaged creeping about the trees in search of 

 insects or their eggs and larvae, upon which it feeds almost entirely. It often utters its alarm note if 

 disturbed, or if unmolested repeats to itself its apology for a song. I have found the young birds of 

 this species in the nest, but have never taken a set of fresh eggs. The parents are very solicitous for 

 their young when they are disturbed, and show signs of anger and valor usual to the smaller birds. 



306 



