THE BIRDS OF WAYNE COUNTY. 289 



On July 12, 1891, the writer discovered in a wooded ravine near Wooster, four 

 immature birds of this species, which had without reasonable doubt been reared in 

 the immediate vicinity. An adult was also on the same date seen in a neighboring 

 orchard. This is apparently the first definite record of the breeding of the species in 

 Ohio, although Wheaton mentions 1 having observed in May a pair of these birds at 

 work upon a nest w r hich was subsequently deserted. 



In spring the drumming of the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker may usually be easily 

 recognized by the following peculiarities. Four or five taps given in quick succession 

 are followed by a short pause, this being soon succeeded by two short quick taps ; 

 then another pause, and two more taps in somewhat less rapid succession than the 

 first ; followed by yet another pause, and two additional taps still a little slower. 

 This is sometimes slightly varied with regard to the number of taps; and occasionally 

 also the latter part consists only of single quick taps with an increasing interval to- 

 ward the last. The two most common forms may be crudely represented as follows: 

 __ and ~ - - 



GENUS CEOPHLCEUS CABANIS. 



79. Ceophlceus pileatus (LINN.). 

 Pileated Woodpecker. 



This was formerly a common species in the heavily timbered lands throughout 

 most of the County, but with the clearing of the extensive forests it gradually dis- 

 appeared, having been very rare for the past twenty-five or thirty years. Mr. Joseph 

 Housekeeper informs me that the last specimen taken in the County, so far as he Js 

 aware, was shot about 1883. 



GENUS MELANERPES SWAINSON. 



SUBGENUS MELANERPES. 



80. Melanerpes erythrocephalus (LINN.). 

 Red -headed Woodpecker. 



An abundant summer resident from the last of March until October ; a few 

 sometimes remain during mild winters. It frequents forests, orchards and fields, 

 nesting in almost any suitable situation. The dead top of any large tree, or any 

 apple tree with a large dead limb, is pretty sure to sooner or later contain the nest of 

 a Red-headed Woodpecker. The first mentioned situation is often tenanted by both 

 this species and the Flicker, the nests being sometimes in the same limb, and within 

 a few feet of each other. But in even this close proximity the birds live in apparently 

 perfect harmony. 



The breeding season continues usually from about the middle of May until the 

 first of July, being at its height during the last week in May and the first week of 

 June. The number of eggs is usually four or five, not often six. They are sometimes 

 found to be in varying stages of incubation. The nests whi-h have been observed 

 ranged from twelve to seventy feet from the ground. 



i Geological Survey of Ohjo IV, 1882, p. 399. 



