THE WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH. 175 



neck short; body short. Tarsi rather short, stout, compressed, with eight 

 scutella; toes long, much compressed; first very long, second much shorter 

 than fourth; anterior toes adherent at the base. Claws long, arched, much 

 compressed, laterally grooved, acute. Plumage very soft and blended. 

 Small bristles at the base of the upper mandible. Wings rather long, first 

 quill extremely small, third and fourth longest. Tail short, of twelve 

 feathers broad, nearly even. Upper mandible slightly concave, with three 

 ridges; tongue slender, very thin, with the point abrupt and terminated by 

 strong bristles; oesophagus without dilatation; stomach rather large, roundish, 

 moderately muscular; intestine rather short and wide; coeca very small. 



THE WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH. 



4 SlTTA CAROLINENSIS, Linn. 

 PLATE CCXLVII Male and Females. 



Only four species of Nuthatch have as yet been observed within the limits 

 of the United States. My opinion however is, that at least two more will 

 be discovered: — one larger than any of those known, in the high wooded 

 plains bordering the Pacific Ocean; the other, of nearly the size of the 

 present species, towards the boundary line of Texas and the United States. 



Although the species now under consideration is found in all parts of our 

 extensive country, it is yet the least numerous; there being to appearance 

 more than three of the Brown-headed, and two of the Red-bellied, for every 

 one of the White-breasted. It is an inhabitant of the forest and the orchard, 

 frequently approaching to the very doors of the farm-houses during winter, 

 when it is not unusually seen tapping at the eaves beneath the roof, thrusting 

 itself into barns and houses, or searching for food among the poultry on the 

 ground, where it moves prettily by short hops. During summer it gives a 

 preference to the interior of the forest, and lives in a retired and secluded 

 manner, especially during the breeding season. Although a lively bird, its 

 actions are less animated, and it exhibits less petulance and restlessness than 

 the other species. It moves alertly, however, when searching for food, 

 climbing or retrograding downwards or sidewise, with cheerfulness and a 



