396 



ZOOLOGY BIRDS. 



Col. Exped., 1857-38, pt. iv, 5. KENNEBLY, P. R. R. Rep., x, 1859, 5S, 

 pi. xxxvi. UEERM., P. R. R. Rep., x, pt. iv, 1859, 58. BD., U. S. & 

 Mex. Bound. Snrv., ii, pt. ii, 1859, Birds, G. /</., Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. 

 Phila., 1859, 302 (Cape Saiut Lucas). Id., P. R. R. Rep., Parke's Route, x, 

 1859, 17. COXJES, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Pbila., 1866, 54 (Southern Ari- 

 zona). Id., Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1868, 82. COOPER, Orn. Cal., i, 

 1870, 399. HENSHAW, Rep. Orn. Specs., 1873, Wheeler's Exped., 1874, 

 133. COUES, Key N. A. Birds, 1872, 196. 



Not met with in Arizona farther north than the valley of the Gila. 

 Here, however, and to the southward, it was not uncommon. The Giant 

 Cactus (Cercus giganteus), which forms a most striking and characteristic 

 feature in this region, bears, all over its body, marks of the work of these 

 birds ; large patches being dug entirely out, as though the pith or sap was 

 sought for. Its trunk, too, appears to afford a favorite nesting site, and the 

 excavations for this purpose are often to be seen. On the San Pedro, this 

 species was found frequenting the rnesquite trees. They were everywhere 

 very shy. 



In a large area of country about Camp Lowell, Southern Arizona, this 

 woodpecker was found in great numbers ; it being there the prevailing bird 

 of the family. Besides the cacti and algarobias, which form the chief places 

 of resort of this species, it also affects the large cottonwoods, in some 

 localities neaily to the exclusion of the others. Here I noticed a 

 resemblance in its manners to those of the California Woodpecker, in that, 

 instead of showing the shy solitary disposition which I had hitherto noticed, 

 they met in small parties, and, when not busy searching among the branches 

 for insects, were engaged in chasing each other in and out of the trees in 

 friendly play, while they kept up a continual chattering and calling ; their 

 notes possessing great variety, according to the mood which prompted them. 



