62 



68. Coccyzus erythrophthalmus (Wils.). 

 BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO. 



Similar to preceding-, but less white on tail, a narrow red or yellow ring 

 around eye, and bill, black and bluish. Length, 12 inches. 



Common summer resident. Earliest arrival May 13 ; departs 

 in August or September. Raises 1 brood. Eggs 2-4, blue. 

 Nest of fine twigs, grass, down and rubbish, loosely put 

 together in a low tree, bush or grape-vine. Eggs laid the last 

 of May. Feeds on insects, caterpillars, berries, etc. Very 

 beneficial. Note, like a tree-toad's. 



69. Ceryle alcyon (Linn.). 

 BELTED KINGFISHER. 



Above, dull blue ; in the male, sides and band across breast same color as 

 back but in female, nearly chestnut; beneath, white. Length, 12-13 inches. 



Uncommon summer resident, absent only when the ponds are 

 frozen. Raises 1 brood. Eggs 6-8, white. Nest in holes in 

 banks of streams or near water. These holes are made b}' the 

 birds and measure from .3 to 9 feet in length ; the far end is 

 slightly enlarged and a little rubbish is placed there for a nest. 

 Eggs laid about the first of June. Feeds wholly on fish. 

 Injurious only in stocked ponds. Note, like a watchman's 

 rattle. 



70. Dryobates villosus (Linn.). 

 HAIRY WOODPECKER. 



Above black and white; outer tail feathers and beneath, white. Male 

 with a scarlet band on the nape. Lengtli, 9-10 inches. 



Uncommon resident. Raises 1 brood. Eggs 4-6, white. 

 Nest in a hole in a tree. Eggs laid the first of June. Feeds 

 on insects and their larvae. Beneficial. Note, a loud, rattling 

 oall. 



