The Common Green Woodpecker. 295 



to see whether he has not pierced the tree through, 

 though the fact is, the bird is in search of the insects, 

 which he hopes to have driven out by his blow. 



The following lines, from Moore's beautiful song, 

 allude to the noise which the Woodpecker makes in 

 searching for its food : 



" I knew by the smoke that so gracefully curl'd 



Above the green elms, that a cottage was near, 



And I said, if there's peace to bo found in the world, 



A heart that was humble might hope for it here. 



Every leaf was at rest, and I heard not a sound, 

 But the Woodpecker tapping the hollow beech-tree." 



The fact is, that this beating against the bark is for no 

 other purpose than to rouse the insects which the chink 

 contains, and to force them to come out, which they do 

 from their alarm at the noise, when the Woodpecker 

 turning round takes them unawares, and feeds upon 

 them : if the insects do not answer the delusive call, he 

 darts his long tongue into the hole, and brings out, by 

 this means, his reluctant prey. The plumage of this 

 bird is a compound of red and green, two colours, the 

 approximation of which is always productive of harmony 

 in the works of nature. They nestle in the hollows of 

 trees, where the female lays five or six whitish eggs, 

 without making any nest, trusting to the natural heat of 

 her body to hatch them. 



The Green Woodpecker is seen more frequently on 

 the ground than the other kinds, particularly where there 

 are ant-hills. It inserts its long tongue into the holes 

 through which the ants issue, and draws them out in 

 abundance. Sometimes with its feet and bill it makes a 

 breach in the nest, and devours the ants and their eggs 

 at its ease. The young ones climb up and down the 

 trees before they are able to fly ; they roost very early, 

 and repose in their holes till day. There are many 

 different kinds of Woodpecker, five of which are common 

 to this country. 



