_Sitta carolinensis carolinensis. Case 2, Figs. 38, 39; Case 4, Fig. 65_
Crown black, cheeks white; breast white; the
female with a gray crown. L. 6.
_Range._ Nests from Gulf States to Canada; a
Permanent Resident. The Florida White-breasted
Nuthatch (_S. c. atkinsi_) a slightly smaller form
in which the female as well as the male has the
crown black, is the race inhabiting Florida, the
Atlantic coast to South Carolina and the Gulf
coast to Mississippi.
Washington, common T.V. and W.V., less common S.R.
Ossining, common P.R. Cambridge, P.R., rare in
summer, uncommon in winter, common in migrations;
most numerous in Oct. and Nov. N. Ohio, common
P.R. Glen Ellyn, fairly common P.R. SE. Minn.,
common P.R.
During the summer we will see comparatively little of this bird who,
with equal ease, climbs either down or up a tree trunk, but in the
winter he will be a constant patron of the nuts and suet on our lunch
counters. Habit, markings, his unmistakable _yank-yank_, all distinguish
him from our other birds, except his Canadian cousin to which, after
all, he bears only a family resemblance.
In April, 5-7 white, brown speckled eggs are laid in a hole in a tree,
lined with feathers, etc.