HAIRY WOODPECKER 



PLATE LV. FIGURE I. 

 Picus villosus, .... LINNJEUS. GMELIN. 



THE Hairy Woodpecker is a native of North America, 

 which is said to have occurred once or twice in England. 

 In the United States nidification begins in May, when a 

 branch already hollow is pitched upon, or a fresh opening 

 is made. "In the former case," says Wilson, " I have 

 known his nest more than five feet distant from the mouth 

 of the hole ; and in the latter he digs first horizontally, if in 

 the body of the tree, six or eight inches, and then down- 

 wards, obtusely, for twice that distance ; carrying up the 

 chips with his bill, and scraping them out with his feet. 

 They also not unfrequently choose the orchard for breeding 

 in, and even an old stake of the fence, which they excavate 

 for this purpose." 



The eggs are white, five or six in number, and are laid 

 in June. 



VOL. I. 



