FAM. XXII. WOODPECKERS 171 



from the Plains eastward ; breeding from the Gulf States to Labrador, 

 and wintering in South America. The Western Nighthawk (4'20''. C. v. 

 henriji) of the western United States from the Plains westward is lighter 

 colored and has the white spaces larger. The Florida Nighthawk (420*>. 

 C. V. chdpiaaiii) of Florida and the Gulf coast to South America is 

 smaller and has more numerous white and buff markings. Wing, 7-7 1 ; 

 tail, 4-4;. 



5. Texan Nighthawk (421. ChordeUes acutipennis texhisis). — 



A southern, small, distinctly streaked and barred nighthawk 



with the white wing patch nearer the tips of the primaries than 



the bend of wing. The tail is blackish, crossed by grayish or 



tawny bars, with a complete white cross-bar near the tips of 



the feathers. The female has the wing patch tawny instead 



of white, and the white cross-bar of the tail is lacking. 



Length, 8} ; wing, Q\-l\ ; tail, 4-4]. Texas to southern California, 

 south to Panama. 



ORDER III. WOODPECKERS, WRYNECKS (PICI) 

 An order which with us includes only the following : 



FAMILY XXII. WOODPECKERS (PiCIDiE) 



A large family (350 species) of creeping or climbing birds 

 with stiff, sharp-pointed tail feathers which are used as aids in 

 supporting the body against the tree.^- The toes are four in 

 number ; two directed forward and two backward ^ (in a few 

 exceptional species there are only three, two in front and one 

 behind^). These birds have stout, straight, chisel-pointed 

 bills,^ with which they are enabled to cut small holes in the 

 wood for the purpose of securing insects, and large holes for 

 nesting places. The tongue is peculiarly long, has a spear-like 

 tip, and is so arranged that it can be thrust out to a wonderful 

 distance. By its aid, the larvae of insects are secured and 

 brought from their retreats under the bark. Woodpeckers 



