20 
OHIO EXPERIMENT STATION: BULLETIN 250 
consists of plant lice, scale insects, insect eggs and other small 
insects, some of which are very minute. Two species occur through¬ 
out the state during migrations; their habits and dress are much the 
same. 
GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, Reguhis satrapa satrapa (Licht.) 
This species is not common as a winter resident, but is much 
more common as a migrant, both in spring and fall. It is a little 
smaller than its Ruby-crowned cousin, and next to the Humming¬ 
bird, is our smallest bird. The call note is high pitched and audible 
only to the practiced ear. The voice is of unusual volume when 
singing, yet not at all conspicuous. The summer home of both 
species is in the forests of spruce, fir and pine, and while with us, 
they show a decided liking for evergreens. 
RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, Regulus calendula calendula (Linn.) 
This species occurs only as a migrant. It is to be distinguished 
from the preceding species by its slightly larger size, wren-like call 
note, and by the conspicuous gold of the crest being replaced by a 
partly concealed red spot; also the song of this species is louder and 
sweeter than that of the Golden-crowned. 
THE NUTHATCHES, CHICKADEES, CREEPERS AND WRENS 
The Nuthatches, Chickadees, Creepers and Wrens all subsist 
largely on insects; the habits of these birds, their manner of hunt¬ 
ing and the kind of insects destroyed differ widely. 
WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH, Sitta carolinensis caroline?isis (Lath.) 
This bird is a common resident throughout the state, possibly 
a little more common in winter than in summer. However, it may 
only appear to be more abundant at this time because of its more 
frequent occurrence in parks, on street shade trees, or about the 
home grounds. As a climber, this species has no equal. With ease 
and grace it runs over the bark of trees, up, around, or rests head 
downward. The strong feet and legs alone are depended on for 
support. 
The food is largely insects, their larvae and eggs, which are 
hidden away in crevices of the bark, many of which would escape a 
less nimble climber. The vegetable portion of its food consists 
chiefly of beech nuts and acorns, which it hides away in crevices of 
bark until needed. The name “nuthatch” is derived from the man¬ 
ner in which it breaks open an acorn or nut, by striking it forcibly 
with the bill, thus “hatching it” after having wedged it in a crevice. 
It is wrongly called “sapsucker” and the prejudice which many hold 
against it is due to the supposed injury it does to the bark of trees. 
