370 BRITISH BIRDS. 
tion is similar to that of the preceding species. It is a resident and 
breeds throughout North America as far north as the limit of forest- 
growth and as far south as Mexico. Its habits, nest, and eggs are not 
known to differ from those of the other Woodpeckers. The only species 
in this country with which it is likely to be confused is the Lesser Spotted 
Woodpecker, from which it may easily be distinguished by having the nape 
instead of the crown scarlet. 
Of the third species, the Golden-winged Woodpecker (Colaptes auratus), 
a specimen was shot in Amesbury Park, Wilts, in the autumn of 1836 
(Marsh, ‘ Zoologist,’ 1859, p. 6327). There can be little doubt that the 
bird was shot in this country, but had most probably escaped from a cage. 
The Golden-winged Woodpecker is found throughout North America, as 
far west as the Rocky Mountains, as far north as the Arctic circle, and 
as far south as the Gulf of Mexico. 'To the northern portions of its range 
it is only a summer visitor ; but in the central and southern portions it 
is a resident. The habits and eggs of this Woodpecker do not differ much 
from those of its congeners. 
