The Bulletin. 17 



Downy Woodpecker {Dryobates pubescens, Linn). 



Eed-cockaded Woodpecker (Dryobates borealis, Vieill). 



Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius, Linn). 



Pileated Woodpecker, "Logcock" (Ceophloeus pileatus, Linn). 



Ked-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes eruthrocephalus, Linn). 



Ked-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes Carolina, Linn). 



Flicker: "Yellow Hammer": (Colaptes auratus, Linn). 



Woodpeckers are as a rule solitary birds and are seldom seen 

 associated in greater numbers than the individuals of one family. 

 They are wonderfully adapted for performing their part in the 

 economy of nature, which is to guard the trunks and limbs of trees 

 from the undue increase of insects. All our woodpeckers are pro- 

 vided with four toes on each foot, two of which point forward and the 

 other two backward. This arrangement gives them great power in 

 clinging to vertical surfaces of trees. They are also aided by the 

 stiff tail feathers, which serve as a substantial brace beneath. The 

 stout chisel-like beak enables them to rapidly dig larva? from the 

 bark and wood and also provides them a means of readily excavating 

 their nesting cavities. Woodpeckers have no power of song, their 

 method of attracting the attention of others of their kind being a few 

 calls and a loud tattoo beaten by the bill on some resounding limb, 

 loose shingle, or tin coping of a house. All lay pure white eggs 

 and deposit them on a thin layer of fine chips in the bottom of their 

 nesting holes. 



Many farmers look with the eye of suspicion upon the movements 

 of woodpeckers when seen frequenting fruit and shade trees and 

 pecking holes in them. Close observation reveals the fact, however, 

 that these birds rarely injure a healthy tree, and with the exception 

 of one species the holes they make seem to be almost entirely for the 

 purpose of dislodging and devouring wood-loving larvae. 



The following are perhaps the four best known species in the 



State : 



. Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) . 



Upper plumage black, with (in the male) a red baud across the back of 

 head; middle of the back white; wings spotted with white; the outer tail 

 feathers barred with white. There is also a white stripe above and one below 

 the eye. Length about 6% inches. 



Range. — Eastern North America from the Gulf to Labrador. 



Nest. — In cavities of trees. 



Eggs. — Four or five, glossy white. 



The Downy, which is the smallest of our woodpeckers, is the com- 

 mon little "Sapsucker" seen in summer, frequenting the woodlands, 

 orchards, and shade trees. Often one detects its presence first by 

 hearing the busy tap, tap, of his bill as he works industriously at 

 his daily task of collecting grubs and larvae. He is especially at- 

 tracted by neglected orchards where the old trees harbor a vast num- 



