COMMON WRYNECK. 145 



It is about the size of the jay, and of a beautiful green 

 colour, having the top of the head crimson. The quill- 

 feathers are dusky, with whitish spots ; and the tail is 

 blackish, obscurely barred with green, and tipped with 

 white. The temples are blackish. The bill and legs are 

 dusky. 



Great Spotted Woodpecker. This is a common species 

 in England. We are informed, that in forming its 

 holes it strikes against the trees with quicker and more 

 forcible blows than the green Woodpecker. In running 

 about upon the branches of trees, it is not easily seen, as 

 it always endeavours to avoid the sight, by concealing 

 itself on the side of the branch which is opposite to the 

 observer. 



In size, this Woodpecker is somewhat larger than a 

 blackbird. Its body is variously marked with black and 

 white. The crown of the head is of a deep glossy black, 

 and, in the male, the hind part has a rich crimson spot. 

 The throat and breast are of a yellowish or dusky white. 

 The vent-feathers are of a light crimson. The quill- 

 feathers of the wings are black, elegantly marked on each 

 web with round white spots. 



12. WRYNECK TRIBE. 



There is only one species of Wryneck. It is a native 

 of various parts of Europe, of several of the northern dis- 

 tricts of Asia, and is found in most parts of England. 



Common Wryneck. In many of its habits, this bird 

 resembles the woodpeckers. Its tongue is long, and 

 capable of being darted to a considerable distance out 

 of the mouth, for the purpose of seizing upon its insect 



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