6 
BEAUTirUL BIEDS. 
barkj so as to obtain a rest whereon to support the 
weight of the 
bird, or, at all 
events, to assist 
/ doing so. A 
^ still greater de- 
velopment of this power is observed in the tail-feathers 
of the genus Oxyurus {h), where the broad inner web 
terinmates abruptly, leavi ng the point of the shaft 
naked. Other varieties of form in the tail-feathers of 
different species of this group of birds will be detected 
by the careful observer, each being adapted to the 
peculiar surface to which it is to be applied. Besides 
the little Tree-Creeper mentioned above, the Xuthatch 
and the Wren are included by Mr. Swainson in this 
family, amongst numerous other exotic species. 
In some of their characters and habits, the Xut- 
hatches {Sittince) bear considerable resemblance to the 
Woodpeckers, from which they differ in being able to 
ascend or descend the trunks of trees with equal readi- 
ness. The strength of their feet, the toes being remark- 
ably large for the size of the bird, enables them to 
cling to small twigs in a manner similar to the Titmice. 
The European Nuthatch {Sitta Europced) is a well- 
Itnown native bird, and will serve as an example of this 
sub-family. It is the only species found in Europe, 
or any of the immediately adjacent parts of the world. 
Some few others are found in America and the eastern 
Asiatic islands ; but the species are not numerous. 
As a British bird, the Nuthatch is confined to the 
south of England, and does not seem to have been 
found so far west as Cornwall. It resorts chiefly to 
