WOODPECKERS 



399- WHITE-HEADED WOODPECKER. 

 Xenopicus albolarvatus. 



Range. Western United States from south- 

 ern California to southern British Columbia. 



This odd species is wholly a dull black color, 

 except for the white head and neck, and basal 

 half of the primaries. They 

 are quite abundant in some 

 localities, particularly in 

 California on mountain 

 ranges. They nest at any 

 height, but the greater 

 number have been found 

 under twenty feet from the 

 ground and in old pine 

 White stubs. They lay from four 



to six glossy white eggs, 



measuring .95 x .70. They are said to be more 

 silent than others of the Woodpecker family, 

 and rarely make the familiar tapping and never 

 drum. It is claimed that they get at their 

 food by scaling bark off the trees, instead of 

 by boring. 



400. 



40!. 



Three-toed Woodpecker 

 Arctic Three-toe^ Woodpecker 



ARCTIC THREE-TOED WOODPECKER. Picoides arcticus. 



As implied by their name, members of this genus have 

 but three toes, two in front and one behind. The plumage 

 of this species is entirely black above, and whitish below, 

 with the flanks barred with blackish. The male has a 

 yellow patch on the crown. They breed abundantly in 

 coniferous forests in mountainous regions throughout their 

 range, laying their eggs in cavities in decayed stumps and 

 trees, apparently at any height, from five feet up. The 

 eggs are laid in May or June. Size .95 x .70. 



White 



401. THREE-TOED WOODPECKER. Picoides americanus americanus. 



Range. Northern parts of the United States north to the Arctic regions. 



Range. From northern United States northward. , 



The chief difference between this species and the last is in the white on the 

 back, either as a patch or in the form of broken bars. The nesting habits are 

 just the same and the eggs cannot be distinguished from those of the preceding. 

 Both forms are found breeding in the same localities in the Adirondacks and in 

 nearly all other portions of their range. 



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