BIRD RECORDS IN UPPER MISSOURI VALLEY 
407 
berries, and there might be some who would explain the procedure 
as a method of washing the beak; but why lower the mandible, 
as stated? The only mention I find of this habit is that by W. H. 
Bergtold, viz., “the birds (Bohemian Waxwings) were feeding on 
Russian Olives and snow.” (Auk, XXXVI, page 342, 1917). 
52. Brown Creeper. Certhia familiaris americana. About as 
usual in 1918-1919, but more scarce in 1919-1920. 
53. Red-breasted Nuthatch. Sitta canadensis. Mrs. F. W. 
Marshall had one of these nuthatches as a daily visitor at her 
feeding shelf throughout the winter, and it remained as late as 
May 4, 1920. Miss Ada B. Wendell also reported the Red- 
breasted Nuthatch at suet stations in Smithland, Iowa. They 
would sometimes come in pairs. 
54. Tufted Titmouse. Baeolophus bicolor. Miss Wendell 
also reports the Tufted Titmouse at Smithland during the winter 
of 1919-1920. She Avrites as follows: “The Titmouse has been 
reported by bird observers here for years. This winter they 
were seen the first week or so in January, one at a time. A few 
weeks later they came continuously to eat meat placed on the 
wood-pile, and usually appeared in pairs.” 
The Titmouse has never been observed in the western part 
of the county (Woodbury) so far as the writer knows. This is 
another species which presents a problem in distribution. Smith- 
land is located in the valley of the Little Sioux river, and is 
surrounded by a heavier growth of timber than is to be found, 
perhaps, in any other part of the county. The question is whether 
these birds have reached this point by overland flight, or by close- 
ly following the wooded valley. 
Department op Biology, 
Morningside College. 
