F 
DALMATIAN NUTHATCH. 15-5 
of Chnjsomela graminis and Triclwdes antiquus. It is 
usually so compactly made, that I was obliged to sepa- 
rate one with a chisel. This nest had been used many 
years. The bird is very lively, restless, and inquisitive. 
The young- are easily turned, and become very confiding; 
they may be fed upon bread crumbs, but in a cage 
remain always on the ground, and will not perch. The 
families remain long together, and the young are taught 
by their parents all about catching insects.” 
The following interesting account of the nidification 
of this bird is translated from the Italian of the Marchese 
Oratio Antinori, and is inserted in “Xaumannia,” for 
1857, page 429; — 
‘‘This pretty little bird enlivens with its cheerful 
note the highest and most lonely part of the Anatolian 
mountains, where it generally remains. Sometimes, 
however, it comes down into the plains, where it is 
especially seen on the rocks surrounding mountain tor- 
rents, or on the walls of old buildings. It builds its 
nest the last days of March, and the beginning of April; 
and for this purpose it chooses a rock or ruined wall, 
where among the projections it can be sheltered from 
the rain. It is easy to observe with what caution this 
bird makes choice of a locality, for before it finally 
resolves to build its nest in a jiarticular spot, it places 
some of the materials, which consist of resinous sub- 
stances mixed with feathers, hair, rootlets, thread, or 
wool, in several different places. This is evidently done 
to satisfy itself, not only that it may not be discernible 
to others, but that it may be impervious to wet, and 
sufficiently firm a foundation to last many years. Indeed 
it would be quite impossible to move the nest of Sitta 
Sgriaca from the place to which it is fastened, nor coidd 
it be distinguished from the parts to which it is attached. 
