o 
126 SYNOPSIS AND ALPHABETICAL INDEX 
stiff tail kept pressed against the tree or bough, up 
and along the trunks and branches of trees (whence 
synonyms and name) in short quick jerks and with 
rapid fluttering of the wings like the green woodpecker 
(which see). Is shy and seldom seen, but reveals its 
presence by its “ twee twee’ notes. Found in England 
all the year round, in woodlands mostly. Length 
5% inches. Flight: Undulating, only from tree to 
tree. ._ Food: Insects, etc., im bark, etc. Plumage® 
Back and sides of head and back ashy brown, with dull 
white spots; chin, throat and breast whitish. Tail, 
stiff and curved downwards, reddish, or ashy-brown, 
outer edge yellowish. Claws, long and much curved. 
Male and female: Alike in size and plumage. Nest: In 
April. Well constructed. Sztwated in a hole or crack 
of a tree, the entrance often closed in by various 
materials. Made of twigs, fine roots, hay, straw, grass, 
etc., lined with wool and feathers. Eggs: White, 
more or less spotted reddish-brown. Four to eight. 
4. CUCKOO 
(Pages 76-70) 
Cuculus canorus (one of the Scansores—birds with 
feet adapted for climbing—as the wryneck, woodpecker, 
parrots, etc.). About the size of a small pigeon or large 
