NUTHATCHES 
315 
Distinctions. With creeping habits and general coloration, to be mistaken only for the 
Red -breasted Nuthatch, but larger, and the breast and most of the underparts pure 
white instead of heavily washed with rufous. The sides of the face are pure white 
(Figure 406), instead of with a black line through eye 
and a prominent white eyebrow-line (Figure 407). The 
Pygmy Nuthatch is much smaller, and has a brownish 
crown blending into a dark eye stripe ( Sec Figure 40S). 
Field Marks. Creeping habits, and even, blue-grey 
back are characteristic of the nuthatches. The white 
underparts and the solid white face separate the White- 
breasted from the other species. 
Nesting. In a hole in a tree, usually a natural cavity, 
in nest of leaves, feathers, etc. 
Distribution. Temperate North America. In Canada, 
across the southern part of the Dominion, rare or absent 
on the prairies. 
SUBSPECIES . Two subspecies are recognized in Canada. The Eastern White- 
breasted Nuthatch (la Sittelle h poitrine blanche de l'Est) Sitta carolinensis carolinensis 
extends throughout the east, westward to Manitoba and probably through the northern 
forested areas to the mountains. The Slender-billed Nuthatch (la Sittelle a bee fin) 
Sitta carolinensis aculeata occupies southern British Columbia. The grey on the back is 
slightly darker, or duller in tone, and the bill averages slightly longer in proportion to its 
width. The Rocky Mountain Nuthatch (la Sittelle des Rocheuses) Sitta carolinensis 
nelsoni has probably been attributed to southern British Columbia in error. 
The climbing and trunk-creeping of the nuthatches is a wonderful 
accomplishment. They travel upwards or downwards, forwards or back- 
wards, or even along the underside of branches like Hies on the ceiling, with 
apparently equal ease. Though industrious little workers they enjoy life in 
their own quiet way, being neither so absorbed in their never-ending task 
of keeping the tree trunks free from insects as their friend and oft-time 
companion, the Brown Creeper, nor so light-hearted and mercurial as the 
irrepressible chickadees. They take time occasionally to court, play, chase 
each other merrily about, and to sing a little spring song, to show that they 
are not overcome by their responsibilities. Their usual note is a hoarse 
“ Quank-quank ” and they are often found with small groups of chickadees 
and creepers; they do their share in holding the little company together 
with their frequent conversational remarks. 
Economic Status. One of the most useful birds. Although it pays 
much attention to forest trees it often comes to orchard and shade trees 
and as a member of the above-mentioned company, which examines with 
microscopic eyes every part of the winter tree trunks for insects, it con- 
sumes great quantities of pests in adult, egg, or larval stages. 
728. Red-breasted Nuthatch, little quank. la sittelle a poitkine rousse. 
Sitta canadensis. L, 4-62. A smaller nuthatch than the White-breasted. Above, slaty 
blue with shiny black crown and hindneck, 
duller on females. Below, all rusty ochre. 
Cheeks white, a sharp black line through eye 
expanding on upper shoulders, and a conspicuous 
white eyebrow streak (Figure 407). Juveniles 
with the rusty ochre below reduced. 
Distinctions. Small size, general ruddy 
colour beneath, the black bar through eye, 
and a conspicuous white eyebrow streak. 
Field Marks. As above. 
Nesting. In hole in tree or stump, nest of 
grasses or moss. 
Distribution. North America. In Canada, 
across the Dominion north to Great Slave Lake. 
Figure 407 
Red-breasted Nuthatch; natural size. 
Figure 400 
White-breasted Nuthatch ; 
about natural size. 
