riCID.E — THE WUODi'ECKEUS — MELAXEKPES. 



405 



served for the sake of the grubs they contain s(i frequently, which, being 

 very small when the acorn falls, grow until they eat tlie A\'hole interior, 

 when they are a welcome delicacy for the bird. Whctiier they select only 

 those containing grulis, or put away all they meet with, is uncertain ; Ijut as 

 they leave great numbers in the tree untouched, it is probaljle that these 

 are sound acorns, and often become a supply to the squirrels and jays. 



From this strange habit the bird has received the name of " carpintero," 

 and tliis is also adojited Ijy many Americans. 



Melanerpes formicivonis, var. angustifrons, Baird. 



THE NAEROW-FEONTED WOODPECKEK. 



Sp. CuAii. Conipnrod witli M. formicieoi-us, the size is sraallfr, the li{j;lit frontal bar '0 

 is miK'li naiTOWiT ; in the ieniah- scaroely more than half tlie bhick one behind it, anil not 



reachint; anytliiu;; Hke as far back as the anterior l)or(ler of the eye, instead of exceedino- 

 tliis Unlit. The liglit frontal and the black bars together are only about two thirds the 



