This bird is very similar in its actions to the Great Tit, but is more often seen in gardens than the latter. It is ever on the move and is extremely fond of a bit of suet—a piece hung on a string in the garden affords throughout the winter months endless opportunities of watching its pretty and fascinating ways. In summer, sunflower seeds are a great attraction; these are removed as soon as they ripen, and taken to some convenient post or branch; there he will hold one between his feet and split it with a few well-directed blows of his bill, and having swallowed the tender kernel he will return again and again to the same sunflower until not a seed is left.

Any dark cavity will suit it for a nesting-site, either a hole in some tree or post, an old tin carelessly thrown in a hedge, or some artificial nest-box in the garden, but it will rarely be nearer the ground than about six feet. It has a very short but bright song, which may often be heard in spring, and its call-note is a single “tzee.”

It is a very common resident, wandering in small parties all over the country during the winter months and even penetrating the heart of our large cities, where it becomes very tame and confiding.

The sexes are alike in plumage. The back is yellowish green; tail and wings blue; wing coverts tipped with white; the crown is cobalt blue encircled by a white line running backwards across the forehead. The chin is blue, and a blue line runs through each eye to the nape, and, encircling the white cheeks, runs forward again to meet the blue chin. Under parts sulphur yellow with a black streak down the centre of the chest. Length 4·3 in.; wing 2·4 in.

The young are very similar but rather duller in colour.

NUTHATCH
Sitta cÆsia