274 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 



177- (393a) • Dryobates zdllosus leucomelas (Bodd.). Northern 



Hairy Woodpecker. 



The Northern Hairy Woodpecker is a variety inhabiting the 

 northern tier of the United States, through British America to the 

 Pacific in Alaska. It is distinguished by its larger average size 

 and hairy appearance. "Large specimens of the Hairy Wood- 

 pecker taken at Omaha in winter have been referred to this form 

 by Skow and Trostler, but probably represent the maximum of 

 villosus'" (Rev. Bds. Neb., 1903, p. 59). A series of eight speci- 

 mens from the Talbot collection, taken at Sioux City in Novem- 

 ber, 1885, and December, 1884, were sent to Robert Ridgway for 

 identification. He says: "All these specimens are intermediate 

 between villosus and leucomelas. " 



No. 13500. Dec. 12, ly. 9; W. 5; T. 3^8; "leztcome/as." 

 No. 13499. Nov. 13, 1885, L,. 9; W. 5; T.3^; ''leucomelas.'" 

 No. 13498. Dec. 6, L. 9; W.4^; T.3:^; "not typical /<?«f^;;zi?/a5." 



The examination of a large series of winter Hairj^ Woodpeckers 

 from northern Iowa will be necessary to determine the status of 

 this subspecies in the state. 



178- (394)- Dryobates pubescens viedianus (Swains.). Northern 



Downy Woodpecker. 



The Downy Woodpecker is an almost exact counterpart of the 

 Hairy Woodpecker, differing only in its smaller size. Their hab- 

 its are similar, but the Downy Woodpecker is perhaps the more 

 familiar, often appearing in towns, even condescending to peck at 

 dead weed-stalks for food. The nest is frequently dug in a dead 

 limb in an orchard. Charles R. Keyes reports that the eggs are 

 laid early in May (Linn), and Dr. C. C. Smith, about May 20 (Win- 

 neshiek). 



The species is of great value as a destroyer of the various wood- 

 boring insects. In general, the Downy Woodpecker is a more 

 abundant resident than the Hairy Woodpecker. 



Genus Picoides Lacepede. 



179. (400). Picoides arcticus {Swains.). Arctic Three-toed Wood- 

 pecker. 

 The Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker may only be expected as a 

 casual winter visitant in Iowa, if it occurs at all at the present 



