← Handbook of nature-study for teachers and parents, Volume 1
Chapter 28
Lesson XII
The Nuthatch
Leading thought—The nuthatch is often a companion of the chickadees and woodpeckers. It has no black bib, like the chickadee, and it alights on a tree trunk head downward, which distinguishes it from woodpeckers.
Methods—This bird, like the chickadee and downy, gladly shares the suet banquet we prepare for them and may be observed at leisure while “at table.” The contrast between the habits of the nuthatch and those of its companions make it a most valuable aid in stimulating close and keen observation on the part of the pupils.
Observations—1. Where have you seen the nuthatches? Were they with other birds? What other birds?
2. Does a nuthatch usually alight on the ends of the branches of a tree or on the trunk and larger limbs? Does it usually alight head down or up? When it runs down the tree, does it go head first or does it back down? When it ascends the tree does it follow a spiral path? Does it use its tail for a brace when climbing, as does the downy?
3. How are the nuthatch’s toes arranged to assist it in climbing? Are the three front toes of each foot directed downward when the bird alights head downward? How does it manage its feet when in this position?
4. What is the general color of the nuthatch above and below? The color of the top and sides of head? Color of Back? Wings? Tail? Throat? Breast?
5. Does the black cap come down to the eyes on the nuthatch as on the chickadee? Has the nuthatch a black bib?
6. What is the shape of the beak of the nuthatch? For what is it adapted? How does it differ from the beak of the chickadee?
7. What is the food of the nuthatch? Where is it found? Does it open nuts for the grubs or the nut meat? Observe the way it strikes its beak into the suet, why does it strike so hard?
8. How would you spell this bird’s note? Have you heard it give more than one note?
9. How does the nuthatch benefit our trees? At what season does it benefit them most? Why?
10. Where do the nuthatches build their nests? Why do we see the nuthatches oftener in winter than in summer?