THE, GREAT, sPoOTarED 
WOODPECKER 
PICUS MAJOR 
LocaL names in surrounding counties: “ French Mag- 
pie.? (Essex). 
Stratus in British Avirauna: A widely distributed if 
local resident in the woodlands of England and Wales, 
becoming rarer north of Yorkshire. It is not known to 
breed in Scotland, and is absent from Ireland. Its 
numbers are increased to a certain extent in autumn by 
migrants. 
RapraL DistrRIBUTION WITHIN FIFTEEN MILES OF ST. 
Paut’s: This Woodpecker seems everywhere to be less 
common than the preceding, and in many localities where 
its larger ally is comparatively numerous this species is 
rare, or absent altogether. It is a resident in Epping 
Forest and Wanstead, but is very local, and the same 
may be said regarding the Wembley district. So far as I 
know these three localities probably represent the only 
nesting ones within the immediate vicinity of London. 
It is said to breed occasionally in Richmond Park, but 
competent observers remark upon its rarity in that place. 
I have few records from any of the more central parks, 
but the bird is certainly a casual visitor to Kensington 
Gardens. On the other hand, there are many districts 
in the rural suburbs which this species probably visits 
occasionally, and is overlooked. ‘There are many wood- 
lands in these localities, full of grand old timber, and quite 
secluded enough to offer it a congenial refuge. Beyond 
our radius Windsor Park, Ditton Park, Taplow, Eton, 
and Burnham may be mentioned as localities for this 
species. 
The Great Spotted Woodpecker is perhaps more fre- 
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