Range. - North America, breeding from the northern tier of states northward, and farther south in mountain ranges; winters south to southern United States.

This species is smaller than the last and has reddish brown underparts and a black stripe through the eye. The breeding habits are the same as those of the White-bellied variety, but these birds almost invariably coat the tree below the opening with pitch, for what purpose is unknown. They lay from four to six white eggs, numerously spotted with reddish brown; size, .60 x .50. Data. - Upton, Maine, June 21, 1898. Nest in hole of dead birch stub, 20 feet from the ground; made of strips of bark and a few feathers. 5 eggs.

White.

Red-breasted Nuthatch.