THE LESSER Sl'OTlEU ■\\OUDPECKEH.' 



Woods, orchards, nursery gardens, and well-timbered parks are the haunts of this 

 pretty little bird. " In England," says Mr. Gould, " it is far more abundant than is 

 generally supf)osed ; we have seldom sought for it in vain wherever large trees, particu- 

 larly the elm, grow in sufticient numbers to invite its abode : its security from sight is to 

 be attributed more to its habit of frequenting the topmost branches than to its rarity. 

 Near London it is very common, and may be seen by an attentive observer in Kensington 

 Gardens, and in any of the parks of the neighbourhood. Like many other birds whose 

 habits are of an ai'boreal character, the lesser spotted woodpecker appears to perform a 

 certain daily round, traversing a given extent of district, and returning to the same spot 

 whence it began its route. Besides the elm, to which it is especially partial, it not 

 unfreq\ipntly visits orchard trees of large growth, running over their moss-grown branches 

 in quest of the larva? of insects which abound in such situations. In its actions it is very 

 lively and alert. Unlike the large woodpecker, which prefers the trunks of trees, it 

 naturally frequents the smaller and more elevated branches, which it traverses with the 

 utmost ease and celerity : should it perceive itself noticed, it becomes shy, and retires 

 from observation by concealing itself behind the branch on which it rests ; if, however, 

 earnestly engaged in the extraction of its food, its attention appears to be so absorbed that 

 it will allow itself to be closely approached without suspending its operations. When 

 spring approaches, it becomes clamorous and noisy, its call being an oft-repeated note, so 

 closely resembling that of the wry-neck as to be scarcely distinguishable from it. At 

 other times of the year it is mute, and its presence is only betrayed by the reiterated 

 strokes which it makes against the bark of trees." 



* Picus Moiliiis 



