WOODPECKERS 



407a. CALIFORNIA WOODPECKER. 



Melanerpes formicivorus bairdi. 



Range. California and Oregon. 



This bird differs from the last in having few- 

 er white stripes in the black breast band. In 

 suitable localities, this is the most abundant of 

 Woodpeckers on the Pacific coast. They have 

 none of the bad habits of the Red-heads, appear 

 to be sociable among their kind, and are not 

 afraid of mankind. It nests indifferently in all 

 kinds of trees at any height from the ground, 

 laying from three to seven eggs. Size 1.00 x 

 .75. This species has the habit of storing food 

 for future use developed to a greater extent 

 than any other of the family. They sometimes 

 completely honeycomb the exterior surface of 

 decayed trees, with holes designed to hold 

 acorns. 



407b. NARROW-FRONTED WOODPECKER. 



Melanerpes formicivorus angustifrons 



Red-bellied Woodpecker 



Range. Southern Lower California. 



This variety differs from the others in being slightly smaller and in having 

 the white band on the forehead narrower. Its nesting habits are the same, but 

 the eggs average smaller. Size .95 x .75. 



408. LEWIS'S WOODPECKER. Asyndesmus lewisi. 



Range. Western United States from the Rockies to the Pacific coast; from 

 British Columbia south to Mexico. 



A very oddly colored species, 11 inches in length hav- 

 ing a dark red face, streaked red and white under 

 parts, a gray breast band, and glossy greenish black 

 upperparts. They are not uncommon in the greater 

 part of their range, can not be called shy birds, and 

 nest in all kinds of trees at heights varying from six to 

 one hundred feet from the ground, the five to nine white 

 eggs measuring 1.05 x .80, and being laid during May 

 or June. White 



109. RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER. Centurus carolinus. 



Range. United States east of the Plains, breeding from the Gulf States north 

 in nearly all parts of their range, frequenting the more heavily timbered regions, 

 where they nest in any place that attracts their fancy; in some localities they 

 also commonly nest in telegraph poles. They are quite tame, and during the 

 winter months come about yards and houses, the same as, and often in company 

 with Downy Woodpeckers. Their eggs, which are laid during May, are glossy 

 white, average in size 1.00 x .75 and number from four to six. 



17 



