478 SYSTEM A TIC SYNOPSIS. — PICARI^ — FICIFORMES. 



length of the outer hind toe, are characters which diminish or are lost together as we pass from 

 the Ivory-hill extreme to the Flicker end of the series. The claws are always large, strong, 

 sharp, and much curved ; the feet do not present striking generic modifications, except in the 

 three-toed genus Picdides; the length of the outer hind toe is the most variable factor. The 

 wings are specially noteworthy, fci tIk' -h..rtu(-s of the coverts, in exception to the Picarian 



Fig. 329. — Ivory-billed Woodpecker, ^ nat size (From BreLm.) 

 rule ; and the shortness of the first primary, which may fairly he called spurious ; hut these 

 points and the remarkable character of the tail have been already mentioned. This member 

 oflfers indispensable assistance in climbing, when the stifi" strong quills are pressed against the 

 tree, and form a secure support. To this end, the muscles are highly developed, and the last 

 bone {vomer or pygostijle) is large and peculiar in shape. Woodpeckers rarely if ever climb 

 head downward, like Nuthatches, nor are the tarsi applied to their support. 



