The Nuthatch is one of the tree trunk birds that, in the wintertime, is
a close friend of the Chickadees and the Downy Woodpeckers. He is with
us all the year around. Some people have called him the "Upside down
bird" due to the fact that he is able to run up and down the trunks of
trees in almost every conceivable position.
Food: The food of the Nuthatch consists of the small insects that live
under and upon the bark of trees. The small, sharp pointed beak is
well adapted to pry off sections of loose bark that may house some
eggs, larvae or pupae of insects that are hidden for the cold
months.
Habits: Edith M. Thomas has written a little poem about the Nuthatch. It
is a good description of the acrobatic powers of these little gray
birds of the woods.
"Shrewd little haunter of woods all gray,
Whom I met on my walk of a winter day--
You're busy inspecting each cranny and hole
In the ragged bark of a hickory bole;
You intent on your task, and I on the law
Of your wonderful head and gymnastic claw!"
"The Woodpecker may well despair of this feat--
Only the fly with you can compete!
So much is clear; but I fain would know
How you can so reckless and fearless go,
Head upward, head downward, all one to you,
Zenith and nadir, the same in your view."
Nest: The nest of the Nuthatch is located in a hole in a tree or stump.
It is lined with feathers, leaves and other similar materials. The
white eggs are thickly speckled with a rufous and lavender color.
From five to eight eggs are laid.
Song: Some one has described the song of this bird as being like the
laugh of a very old man. As the Nuthatch pauses from his work to
inspect you, he may suddenly decide that you are no longer worthy
of his attention. With a harsh little "yank-yank," he will then
continue his insect hunting and leave you to marvel at his
actions.
[Illustration: _The White-breasted Nuthatch--6 inches_]