126 
PICiE. 
GENUS 23. 
SITTA. — N UTHATC H. 
Gmeli n gives the following as the cha- 
racters of this genus. 
Bill; Subulate, roundish, straight, en- 
tire; upper mandible a little longer, 
compressed, and angular at the tip. 
Tongue; Jagged, short, horny at the 
tip. 
Nostrils; small, covered with bristles. 
Feet; formed for walking; hind toe 
long. 
This genus contains twelve species, only 
one of which has been found in the 
British Isles. In their habits the different 
species form a considerable alliance to the 
Woodpeckers. Most of them feed on 
insects, and some on nuts, whence their 
English name is derived. 
