PASSERES—PARIDA. 203 
nuts and the other small forest nuts and fruits. I have 
seen the nuthatch descend to the ground for weed seed and 
other tidbits which have fallen upon the snow. He also 
sometimes searches about the decaying stumps and about 
the roots of the trees. There is nothing in the statement 
that he is one of the “sapsuckers” and so injures trees. 
He is a very useful bird at all times. 
286. (728.) Sirra caNaDENsis Linn. 18. 
Red-breasted Nuthatch. 
Synonyms: Red-bellied Nuthatch, Canada Nuthatch. 
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 164. 
This nuthatch is usually less common than the preced- 
ing, and is not resident anywhere in the state. It is more 
common as a migrant both spring and autumn, but it win- 
ters in small numbers over the entire state, more numerous- 
ly in the southwestern part. It is found in nearly the same 
situations as the White-breasted, and frequently ranges 
with it. Its food seems to be much the same. 
In its migrations it reaches the state early in April and is 
gone north by the middle of May, returning again about the 
middle of September. Most have gone south again a 
morth later, a few remaining all winter. 
Subfamily Partn.z. Titmice. 
Of the members of this group which live in Ohio one is 
southern, scarcely reaching even the middle of the state. 
The other two are among the most common winter birds, 
the Chickadee often feeding about our houses. The Tufted 
Titmouse not infrequently comes into town, especially dur- 
ing March and April, when he is calling lustily. A whistled 
imitation of their calls will almost invariably bring one or 
more within reach of your hand. They are not so much in 
evidence in summer because they are busy with household 
affairs then. 
