0 H A P T E K 



LXXII. 



The nuthatch. 



Sitta Europcea, Lin. ; La Sittele, ou le Torchepot, Buf. 



Description and Character. — The Nuthatch is a shy, soli- 

 tary bird, rather quaint in appearance, but nicely diversified 

 in the colours of its plumage, and pleasant to look upon. 

 In its habit and manner of life it bears a striking resem- 

 blance to the Woodpecker. When hand reared, or obtained 

 young, and become thoroughly domesticated, it is decidedly 

 entertaining as an aviary bird. It is expert and dexterous 

 in cracking nuts, and creates much amusement, amongst 

 those to whom it has been accustomed, by the performance 

 of this operation. With strangers it is usually reserved, 

 and, unless hungry, refuses to display its talents in their 

 presence. 



The Nuthatch is Gin. in length, of which the tail measures 

 l^in. The bill is fin. long, strong, straight, and slightly 

 compressed at the tip ; the upper mandible is bluish black, 

 the lower greyish white. The irides are pale hazel. The crown 

 of the head, and hind part of the neck, saddle, wing coverts, and 

 rump, are of a pretty bluish grey. The cheeks and throat are 

 white, slightly tinged with yellow ; a black line passes from 

 the root of the beak in front, and over the top part, and 

 behind the eyes. The breast and belly are pale dusky orange 

 colour ; the sides of the body, and the thighs and vent, are 

 pale chestnut or cinnamon brown. The primary feathers of 

 the wings are dusky brown, inclining to black ; beneath the 

 wings are two spots, one of which, at the root of the larger pen 



