XXXVII 



DOWNY WOODPECKER; CHECKERBOARD 

 394. Dry abates pubescens medianus (Swaims.) 



There are six sub-species of these birds, but the 

 Downy Woodpecker is the one found in the central part 

 of the United States and in northern Canada. 



Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers are often incorrectly 

 called " Sapsuckers. " The latter bird is much larger, 

 and its range is farther north than that of the former. 

 The Hairy Woodpecker is larger than the Downy, but 

 resembles it very closely. The Sapsucker selects trees 

 that are sound in which to excavate a nest, often drilling 

 through several inches of hard pine to reach the dead 

 heart of the tree, in which the nest is built. (Fig. 56.) 



The Downy is the smallest of the family and is a 

 sociable little fellow, accepting your proffered bit of suet 

 with grace and freedom. However, he insists on helping 

 himself before surrendering any of his rights to his win- 

 ter associates, the Titmouse and Chickadee. The Downy 

 eats very deliberately and rarely shows any restless- 

 ness or suspicion, as is the case with the Titmouse. 



This Woodpecker has very acute hearing and may 

 frequently be seen pausing in its pursuit of insects to 

 turn its head to one side, as if listening for concealed 

 wood-borers. It is a persistent food-hunter. When the 

 ground is frozen solid and the trees are popping like 

 a great forest cannonade, this strong-necked and hard- 

 billed little carpenter may be seen cheerfully pursuing 

 its labors, as it chisels away at the bark in search of 

 dinner. Whether on the upper or lower side of a limb 

 or vertical branch, the bird is equally and easily poised, 

 as it sends its awl-like bill into the tree. I have stood 

 so close that the bark chips fell all over my clothing. 



The Downy Woodpecker is a confiding bunch of down 

 and feathers, and will let you almost touch it, as it pokes 

 its bill into the bark crevices, looking for worms and 

 eggs. It may with modesty, lest it offend you, work 



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