White-Breasted Nuthatch (Sitta Carolinensis) Nuthatch Family
Called also: TREE-MOUSE; DEVIL DOWNHEAD

Length -- 5.5 to 6 inches. A trifle smaller than the English sparrow. Male and Female -- Upper parts slate-color. Top of head and nape black. Wings dark slate, edged with black, that fades to brown. Tail feathers brownish black, with white bars. Sides of head and underneath white, shading to pale reddish under the tail. (Female's head leaden.) Body flat and compact. Bill longer than head. Range -- British provinces to Mexico. Eastern United States. Migrations -- October. April. Common resident. Most prominent in winter.

"Shrewd little haunter of woods all gray, Whom I meet on my walk of a winter day -- You're busy inspecting each cranny and hole In the ragged bark of yon hickory bole; You intent on your task, and I on the law Of your wonderful head and gymnastic claw!

The woodpecker well may 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?" -- Edith M. Thomas.