SOME OHIO BIRDS 
21 
Neither this species nor the rarer Red-breasted Nuthatch is harmful 
in any way, but, on the other hand, they are of great economic 
benefit. 
RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH. Sitta canadensis (Linn.) 
This species is slightly smaller than the preceding and has a 
black line through its eye and a rusty breast and belly in place of 
pure white. The two species associate together and their food and 
habits are much the same. It occurs only as a rare winter resident, 
or during the migration, and is at no time common. 
THE BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE Penthestes atricapillus atricapillus 
Fig. 4. After Washburn, Ninth Annual Report, State 
Entomologist of Minnesota. 
CHICKADEE, Penthestes atricapillus atricapillus (Linn.) 
Throughout the state, the year round, this species is a common 
bird, and is generally designated as the Black-capped Chickadee.* 
In summer, it is seldom seen except in the forest where it nests in 
cavities; but in the winter, it is attracted to the trees of the orchard, 
lawn, or city street, where it is apparently as much at home as in 
the depths of the forest. It is gentle in disposition, confiding and 
cheery, and courageous in defense of its young. When the tide of 
bird life is at lowest ebb, this hardy little bird braves the rigors of 
the winter, seeming to suffer no discomfiture, and keeps up a dili¬ 
gent search for dormant forms of insect life, upon which it chiefly 
subsists at this season. It is a most valuable species 0 
* In addition to this form, the Carolina Chickadee, P, carolinensis carolinensis, is found in the 
southern half of the state. The two are very similar in appearance and habits. 
