SITTA CASI A, Wolf et Meyer.
Nuthatch.

Sitta cesia, Wolf et Meyer, Tasch. Deutsch. Vog., tom. i. p. 128.
— Europea, auct., nec Linn.
— afinis, Blyth, Journ. Asiat. Soc. Beng., vol. xv. p. 288.

 

OrnrruoLoersts are at variance as to the correct scientific appellation of our Nuthatch, and whether the
Svtta Europea of Linneus and our bird, which has been called c@siad, are one and the same species, or
only varieties of each other, due to climatic influences. Had Linneeus ever seen our bird, he would
doubtless have noticed the difference of its colouring from the Nuthatch inhabiting Sweden and Norway,
and he might, or he might not, have considered them as mere local varieties ; but had he been aware that
the Swedish bird (his S. Europea) was found in Zealand, but not in Jutland, and that the English bird,
S. cesia, was an inhabitant of the latter country, as stated to me by Professor Steenstrup, of Copenhagen, he
would probably have described them as distinct ; and as our bird is found very generally over the Continent,
except its northern portion, let me do so in the present work, but, at the same time, admit that, except in
colour, I can scarcely perceive any difference between them ; the wash of chestnut-red on the under surface,
however, is constantly found in every British specimen, as well as in those of France and Central Kurope,
while the same part is white in examples from Norway, Sweden, and other northern countries. The mode
of progression of the Nuthatch is no less singular than the trees it frequents are varied. It runs obliquely
over the main stems, commencing its roundabout travels at the largest part, and finishing with the smaller
branches, or vce versa; unlike the Woodpecker, Creeper, and Wryneck, it passes over the bark with its
head downwards as frequently as in an opposite direction, never making use of its tail as a support. In this
inverted position it may be seen prying for spiders and insects, or searching for a suitable chink wherein
to place the nut or cherry-stone, which it has either found on the ground or gathered during its restless
movements—movements so peculiar that every one is interested when he first sees a Nuthatch, or has his
attention attracted by its loud ringing notes. Like the Woodpecker and the Wryneck, it selects the hole of
a tree for the purpose of nidification, but, unlike them, lays spotted instead of white egos, and makes a nest
of leaves or shreds of bark. It frequently selects a much larger hole than is necessary, and plasters up the
entrance with a thick and solid wall of mud, like the Hornbills of India and Africa, leaving only just sufficient
room for egress and regress.

My readers will readily imagine that this bird is a very curious and amusing denizen of our woods and gardens,
and would fain, I should hope, be desirous of making a closer acquaintance with it. To effect this, the best
way will be to acquire a knowledge of its oft-repeated, monotonous note, when, by looking attentively in the
direction whence it proceeds, they will soon perceive the bird passing over and round the boles and branches
in a series of short jumps, or performing a dipping flight from tree to tree, followed by another and another,
sometimes to the number of six or eight, which incessantly call and restlessly follow each other from branch to
branch. There are times, however, when the bird is less noisy and less actively engaged among the branches :
the chances are that he is now on the ground searching for a nut or a cherry-stone, or he may perhaps pick
up a stray bean which the keeper has cast abroad for his Pheasants ; in a few minutes more he will be
hammering away at whatever he has found, in the chink or interstice of a branch, or in a slit in a rail
or gate-post, in which he has placed it, and at which he continues to peg away with all his might until the
kernel is reached and eaten. Mr. Bond tells me that the Nuthatch often, and particularly during the month
of May, selects the top upright dead boughs of trees, and from thence sallies forth to capture insects, after the
manner of the Flycatcher.

I do not know that I can add to the interest which attaches to this bird by stating what counties of England
it inhabits, but I may mention that Montagu was in error when he affirmed that it was not seen in Cornwall ;
for I have the authority of Mr. Rodd’s ‘ List of Cornish Birds’ for stating that it is “very common in the
eastern woodlands ;” and I have certain evidence that it occurs in the great woods at Tregothnan, the seat
of Viscount Falmouth, since I have received two notes on the subject, one from his Lordsbip, and another
from the Honourable Evelyn Boscawen. ‘I write to inform you,” says Lord Falmouth, “that the keeper
brought me in a Nuthatch yesterday, which he had killed at Nancarrow Creek, near the eastern end of the
park.” Mr. Boscawen says, “* This morning, when out in the garden, I sawa Nuthatch ; I afterwards heard
another ; and I believe the bird to be far from scarce in this neighbourhood.”

The Nuthatch is not found in Ireland or Scotland, and Mr. Selby States that the Wear and the Tyne are
the most northern points to which he has been able to trace it: in all the midland counties of England