YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER. 



Sphyrapicus varius. 



Char. Above, black and white, back tinged with yellow; crown and 

 chin scarlet, bordered by black; cheeks black, bordered by white or pale 

 yellow ; breast black ; belly pale yellow. In females the scarlet on chin 

 is replaced by white. Length 8^4 inches. 



A^est. In woodland ; a cavity in a dead trunk of large tree ; sometimes 

 excavated in a live tree. 



Eggs. 4-7 ; white ; 0.S5 X 0.60. 



This species, according to the season, extends over the 

 whole American continent, from the 53d degree to the tropics, 

 where it is seen in Cayenne. With us it is most common 

 in summer in the Northern and Middle States, and as far 

 north as Nova Scotia. At this season it is seldom seen beyond 

 the precincts of the forest, in which it selects the most solitary 

 recesses, leaving its favorite haunts only at the approach of 

 winter, and seeking, from necessity or caprice, at this roving 

 season the boundaries of the orchard. The habits of this bird 

 are but little different from those of the Hairy and Downy 

 Woodpeckers, with which it is often associated in their fora- 

 ging excursions. The nest, as usual, is made in the body of 

 some decayed orchard or forest tree, the circular entrance to 



