BIRDS OF NEW YORK STATE 27 



Creeper, Brown {Certhia familiaris americana) 



The brown creeper is the only representative of its family in 

 New York. It is a transient in most parts of the State and is an 

 abundant summer resident in Potters swamp, Tonawanda swamp, 

 the Catskills and the Adirondacks. It is comparatively approach- 

 able. It alights on the base of a tree and ascends in a spiral 

 course. 5.25-5.75 



Call no. 



Nu CsB Aduh on Trunk of Tree. Genesee. (1911) Bailey 



In the spring and fall the brown creeper may often be seen 

 gleaning insects from tree trunks. It holds its tail against the 

 tree much as woodpeckers do. The principal color of the bird 

 closely matches the bark of the tree. It feeds sparingly on suet. 

 The bird is rather smaller than one would infer from the picture. 

 This tree is on a lawn, the grading of which has partly covered 

 the base. 



Nu CsB2 Clarence F. Stone Inspecting Nest under Bark of Tree. 

 Potters swamp, Branchport. (May 20, 1915) Burtch 



The nesting site is typical. The nest is usually less than five 

 feet from the ground ; it is composed of bark strips, hairs, root- 

 lets and bits of cocoons placed under a piece oi bark hanging 

 loosely to the tree. 



Crow {Corvus brachyrhynchos hrachyrhynchos) 



The crow breeds in every county of the State and remains 

 through the winter in the coastal district, the Hudson valley 

 and the lowlands of western and central New York. It has a 

 tendency to gather in roosts in winter; sometimes from 20,0CX) 

 to 40,000 congregate and remain in a place. 



The crow is one of the worst enemies of birds' nests and 

 fledglings and has a reputation for destroying the farmer's corn. 

 On the other hand it feeds upon an immense number of cut- 

 worms, beetles and other insects injurious to crops. 17-21 



Nu Cu5 Adult at Nest with Three Young Birds. Geneseo. (May 

 15, 1910) Bailey 



In what kind of a tree is this nest? The crow is exceedingly 

 wary and difficult to photograph. 



