Nuthatch Family

From Encyclopediak

Nuthatch Family, a number of species of small birds about the size of a canary, numerous in both hemispheres. They are easily distinguished by their habit of clambering up and down trees and along the branches, going headfirst in either direction with equal facility.

COMMON NUTHATCH When seen circling a tree in spiral course, they are in search of the insects upon which they feed. The nest is placed in a cavity excavated in a dead tree or stump, and is made of leaves, grass, feathers and hair. Sometimes an old woodpecker's nest is used. From four to six eggs are laid.

WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH, or TREE MOUSE. This species is common throughout North America. The birds are about six inches long the body is bluish-gray above and white below the top of the head and the neck are black the wings are black, blue and white the tail is black, marked with white and the under feathers are brown. The bill is long and pointed the tail, short and square. The note is a nasal "yank-yank" repeated "ya-ya."

RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH. The red breasted nuthatch is smaller than the white-breasted and is usually found in flocks. In winter these birds frequen evergreen forests where they feed upon grubs, secured by prying off scales of bark. The breast is red, but otherwise in color and in habits they resemble th white-breasted nuthatch.