Page:Natural History, Birds.djvu/86

Rh with the Scansores. In several of the genera, the shafts of the tail-feathers are strong and rigid, and their tips are lengthened beyond the barbs, as in the Woodpeckers, and from the same cause, the wearing away of the more fragile parts in the constant friction of the tip of the tail against perpendicular surfaces; this organ being thrown in, and pressed against the tree or wall, as a support in climbing.

The beak in this genus is moderately long, more or less curved, triangular at the base, compressed at the sides, slender, and pointed: the wings are moderate, the fourth quill the longest: the tail is lengthened, graduated, the middle feathers the longest; the shafts of the feathers are stiff, and project beyond the tips, which are pointed: the feet are large, the claws slender, that of the back toe long and much curved.

The common Creeper (Certhia familiaris, .) is one of the smallest of British birds, being not more than five inches in total length; it is of a yellowish-brown above, the under parts being white. It is generally distributed throughout Europe, as well as through the United States of North America. It is common enough in the British Islands, though, on account of its shy and recluse habits, frequenting large woods, and well-timbered parks, as well as its habit of creeping about the trunks of trees, where its brown hue renders it difficult to be discerned,—it has been accounted rare. Wilson has graphically delineated its manners in the following terms: