150 PICIDJS, OR THE WOODPECKERS. 



typical indeed than others, a variation which is 

 highly interesting, since it is hy such aberrant spe- 

 cies, which writers are continually mistaking for 

 subgenera, that the gradations in the chain of be- 

 ing and the union of different forms of structure are 

 effected. Without these, in short, the progressive 

 developement of a change in structure could not be 

 accomplished. 



BLACK-BODIED WOODPECKER. 



Hemicircus ruhiginosus^ SWAINS. 



Above chestnut-red ; beneath blackish brown ; head brown ; 

 spot on each side the nape, crimson ; bill yellowish ; tail 

 very short. 



THE only specimen we have ever seen of this ex- 

 ceedingly rare species was purchased with a number 

 of other skins, all of which were from Western 

 Africa. We therefore conclude this was from the 

 same locality, although its geographic hahitat does 

 not rest on the same sure foundation as that of the 

 majority of birds described in these volumes. 



The size is superior to that of the Picus Capensis 

 of authors (Dendrobates Capensis ), but the extreme 

 shortness of the tail brings it only to the same 

 length as that bird; this peculiarity likewise dis- 

 tinguishes the Dendrobates fulviscapuS) or the little 

 gold-winged woodpecker of the Cape, with which, 



