128 OUR RARER BIRDS 



ants ; and it is said, although I have never observed such to 

 be the case, occasionally to eat acorns and nuts. The young 

 are fed on insects and larvse, and we may watch the old birds 

 tend them for some time after they leave the nest. Only one 

 brood is reared in the year ; but if the first lot of eggs be 

 taken, the birds will often lay a second clutch, in some cases 

 making an entirely fresh hole for their reception. 



In some parts of England, especially in the southern 

 counties, the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (Picus minor) is 

 still by no means an uncommon resident species, although 

 locally distributed. Its small size it is the smallest of the 

 British Woodpeckers readily distinguishes this species from 

 its congeners. It loves the woodland districts and the fields 

 where the hedgerows are thickly studded with tall trees. In 

 its habits it closely resembles its allies, but perhaps shows 

 greater preference for the tops of trees and skulking among 

 the slender branches, where its actions are very Tit-like. Its 

 food is insects. Paired probably for life, the same nesting- 

 hole is often frequented year after year. This hole, about 

 twelve inches deep, is sometimes selected ready-made, but 

 more often is excavated by the birds themselves. The eggs 

 are laid early in May, are from five to eight in number, pure 

 and glossy white, and closely resemble those of the Wryneck. 



