126 PICI: Woodpeckers 



ANT-EATING WOODPECKER 



(407. Melanerpes formicivorus formicivorus) 8| in. 



Like its subspecies, the California Woodpecker, except for 

 slightly smaller size and more extensive striping on breast; like 

 it also in its sociability, notes, and habits generally. 



The storing-up instinct of these birds is sometimes gratified in 

 the absence of sufficient acorns to fill storage holes by substitut- 

 ing pebbles of proper size. 



LEWIS WOODPECKER 



(408. Asyndesmus lewisi) 11 in. 



Whole upper parts a shining green-black, with gray collar; 

 throat and breast gray, changing to red on belly; dull red about 

 bill. 



Flight suggests that of a crow, but more " swooping." In 

 flight wings seem entirely too large for the bird and the whole 

 appearance is quite unwoodpeckerlike. 



Locally, in northern part of its range, is destructive to fruit, 

 cherries especially. 



GILA WOODPECKER 



(411. Centurus uropygialis) 9| in. 



Whole back and wings black-and-white barred; crown-patch 

 bright red; belly golden yellow; otherwise head, neck, and under 

 parts dirty gray, darkest on back of head, whitening on fore- 

 head. Tail black-and-white-barred below. Female without 

 crown-patch. 



Much of this bird's insect food is captured on the wing or 

 secured on twigs or leaves; feeds also on the ground. 



