266 



found in Germany, whence it extends to the most* 

 northern parts of Eussia and Siberia. In England 

 it has been met "with only in a few instances^ 

 These birds, living in or near woods, are of a 

 retiring and shy disposition, hiding themselves from 

 view on the approach of an intruder, by passing 

 to that side of the tree or branch which is farthest 

 from the disturber of their repose. They search 

 the bark of trees, or decayed parts, for any insects 

 that may be concealed in the fissures, and in default 

 of such food will feed on nuts, seeds, or berries. 

 During the night these birds occupy the holes so 

 frequently observed in trees, in which, at the usual 

 season, the female deposits her eggs, three in 

 number, and of a white smooth and shining surface. 



WOODPECKER, GKEEN. 



Picus VIRIDIS, Lin. 



This is a common inhabitant of all the wooded 

 parts of England and Scotland, where it is per- 

 manently resident. Besides searching trees for 

 larvas and insects, it often betakes itself to the 

 ground to seek for other insects, and particularly 

 ants and their eggs. It lays its eggs in trees, per-' 

 forating, for their reception, a round hole, sometimes 



