OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 123 



able of much inflection. Their plumage generally presents 

 large bright-colored areas, and is frequently very lustrous ; 

 the sexes have usually their distinguishing color-markings. 



Hylotomus pileatus, Baird. 



The Pileatecl-Woodpecker, or Black Woodcock, as this 

 species is sometimes popularly called, has a wide distribu- 

 tion. It ranges from the gulf of Mexico to the extreme limits 

 of northern forest-vegetation, and from the Atlantic to the 

 Pacific. Sir John Richardson found it a permanent resident 

 in the interior of fur regions, as high north as the 62 or 63 

 parallels ; but, near Hudson Bay, it was conspicuous for its 

 rarity. Dr. Woodhouse found it to be quite common in 

 Texas, New Mexico, and the Indian Territory ; but, in Cali- 

 fornia, it has not yet been observed. In the vicinity of Fort 

 Steilacoom, Washington Territory, it is an abundant summer 

 occupant, according to Dr. Suckley. Dr. Brewer has ob- 

 served it in the wilder parts of Maine and New Hampshire. 



We have never met it within the limits of Philadelphia, 

 but westward as far as the Blue Mountains, it has been 

 found in small numbers. Dr. Turnbull has recorded it 

 as a resident of Eastern Pennsylvania, and stated that in his 

 day, it was rarer than formerly. It delights to inhabit dense 

 forests, chiefly of pine, and manifests such shyness that it is 

 quite difficult to approach within shooting distance. Every 

 attempt that is made to surprise it, is instantly noticed, and 

 greeted with a somewhat derisive cackling cry. Audubon 

 says they are found in the interior of forests, and not infre- 

 quently in trees in the midst of deep swamps, where they 

 excavate a cavity chiefly on the southern side, into which 

 they retire in winter and in stormy weather. 



Their flight is heavy and laborious, and performed in un- 

 dulations. 



They are principally arboricole in their habits, although 

 \vc have occasionally observed them upon the ground, search- 

 ing about for insects. Their food consists principally of the 



