128 SYNOPSIS AND ALPHABETICAL INDEX 
(from its note), Gally Bird (presumably also from 
its note.) Distinguish it from the spotted wood- 
pecker. The green woodpecker is larger, and is of a 
greenish colour (hence name), with a crimson crest and 
crimson ‘ moustache’ (streak of crimson, absent in the 
female). Much commoner. The wings and tail are 
blackish, with transverse rows of square brownish spots. 
End of tail quills pointed. Tongue: Long and silvery 
(hence synonym). Taps on bark with its beak to 
eject insects (whence name). Nature: Very shy, and 
heard more often than seen. Note: variously described 
(and see page 81). Not migratory. Length: About 
13 inches. (Spotted woodpecker only 10 _ inches.) 
Flight : Undulating, heavy, and only from one tree 
to another. Climbs trunks, usually in a circular 
manner, by the aid of its tail close pressed to the 
wood (like the creeper, which see). Descends back- 
wards. Haunts: Fond of old decayed trees. Food: 
Insects found in bark, etc. Nest: In April. Sztuated 
in holes in old trees, made by the birds pecking with 
their beaks till it is excavated (whence name). Small 
hole of entrance. Eggs simply laid on the chips and 
débris. Eggs: Pure polished white. Shell very trans- 
parent. Five or six. 
