262 THE BIRDS OF THE BRITISH ISLES. 



neck. The nape and upper back are black, but the lower back 

 is barred with black and white. On the wings are broader and 

 more conspicuous bars, and the outer tail feathers are also 

 barred. The under parts are white with streaks on the flanks. 

 The bill and legs are slate-grey, the irides crimson. In the 

 female the crown is white, but the young birds of both sexes 

 have more or less crimson on the head. There are no marked 

 seasonal changes. Length, 5-6 ins. Wing, 37 ins. Tarsus, 

 •55 in. 



Green Woodpecker. Ficus viridis Linn. 



The Green Woodpecker (Plate 107) occurs in most parts of 

 Europe, and in Asia Minor and elsewhere in western Asia. In 

 suitable woodlands in England and Wales it is not uncommon, 

 but in northern counties it becomes rarer and only a few have 

 been noted in Scotland. To Ireland it is a rare wanderer ; 

 there are only about three recorded instances of its occurrence. 



The Green Woodpecker is certainly the best known though 

 not always the commonest of the three species ; its large size, 

 conspicuous dress, loud call and habits render it more notice- 

 able. Though a very green bird, colour is not always distinct 

 in the field, much depending upon the light. When sunlight 

 falls direct upon it the bird is conspicuously green with a 

 crimson crown, but if it is between us and the sun it looks 

 almost black, and undoubtedly many of the reputed Black 

 Woodpeckers have been Greens seen in this position. If the 

 under parts alone are seen as the bird passes over it looks 

 almost yellow, and when flying away from the observer the 

 yellow rump attracts attention. The usual haunts are more 

 open than those of the other species ; it frequents old timbered 

 parks, and indeed any open country where there are ancient 

 trees, rather than dense woodlands. Though a large and heavy 

 bird it has an easy, bounding flight. It alights on a trunk or 



