THE WHITE-BEE ASTED NUTHATCH. 
175 
neck short ; body short. Tarsus 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, round- 
ish, moderately muscular ; intestine rather short and wide ; coeca very small. 
THE WHITE- BREASTED NUTHATCH. 
SlTTA CAROLINENSIS, Linn. 
PLATE CCXLVn. — 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 boundai'y 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 
