The Brown-headed Nuthatch is a bird of southern pine forests; one may travel for miles without seeing a single individual and then discover a company of a score or more. They pass most of their time among the upper branches uttering a pit-pit as they hunt for food, or all suddenly joining in a metallic tnee-tnee-tnee, when they are apt to take flight to the adjoining trees. The nest is in a hole in a tree or stump, generally near the ground; 5-6 white, heavily marked eggs being laid in March.
TITMICE. FAMILY PARIDÆ
TUFTED TITMOUSE
Bæolophus bicolor. [Case 4], Fig. 67
A large, gray Titmouse, with a conspicuous crest, black forehead, and reddish brown flanks. L. 6.
Range. Nests from the Gulf States north to New Jersey and Nebraska. Resident, except at the northern limit of its range.
Washington, very common P.R., more so in winter. N. Ohio, common P.R. Glen Ellyn, only two records, Apl. 4 and Nov. 19.
The loud peto, peto, peto of the Tufted Tit can be confused only with certain notes of the Carolina Wren, but while skilfull stalking is required to see the Wren, one may walk up and inspect the Tit with little or no caution. When he sees us he may change his call to a hoarse dee-dee-dee which at once betrays his relationship to the Chickadee. The nest is made in a hole, and the 5-8 white, brown-marked eggs are laid in April.
BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE
Penthestes atricapillus atricapillus. [Case 2], Fig. 37
Crown black, wing-coverts margined with whitish. L. 5¼.