HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 



343 



FLICKER. 



proceeding to the south in October, and returning 

 north in April. From the great numbers seen in the 

 Southern States in winter, it is evident that the prin- 

 cipal part of the species migrate thither from the 

 North and West to pass the inclement season, which 

 naturally deprives them of the means of acquiring their 

 usual sustenance. At this time also they feed much 

 on winter berries, such as those of the sumach, smilax, 

 and misseltoe. In the Middle States, some of these 

 birds find the means of support through the most in- 

 clement months of the winter. In New England, they 

 reappear about the beginning of April, soon after 

 which they commence to pair and build ; for this pur- 



