THE BIRDS OF RAINHAM. 45 



GREEN WOODPECKER. 

 Gecinus viridis (Linn.). 



There are no park-like old timber trees in my 

 district to encourage the breeding habits of the Green 

 Woodpecker ; in summer time we never see them, 

 in autumn and winter a few, chiefly immature, get 

 out of bounds and pay us a flying visit ; they are by 

 no means common. 



GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER. 

 Picus major (Linn.). 



The Great Spotted Woodpeckers, when they do 

 occur, which is very rarely, invariably come in the 

 month of October ; several have been obtained at that 

 time of the year, old birds, both male and female. 



LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER. 

 Picus minor (Linn.). 



The Lesser Spotted Woodpecker has been met 

 with and obtained on several occasions in our lower 

 orchards adjoining the marsh, a favourite locality 

 both in the autumn and winter. Their appearance, 

 like the Great Spotted Woodpecker's, is very uncer- 

 tain ; the fine black and white, striped and spotted 

 plumage of each species has been seen, and their 

 tapping of the trees heard with pleasure. 



