II 



WOODPECKERS AND THEIR ALLIES 



YiKE-yike-yike-yike-yike-yike-yike ! rings out 

 with startling rapidity and distinctness. It is 

 the cry, or, as some have called it, the laugh, 

 of the green woodpecker, a bird which, unless 

 you are well acquainted with his habits and 

 haunts, you will hear far more frequently than 

 you can see him ; for he, like other members 

 of the tapping community, is continually on the 

 guard against awkward surprises. 



When you have him in your hand alive for 

 he can be procured by the few who are in the 

 secret the fine bird looks as handsome as a 

 parrot, his plumage being a mixture of greens, 

 yellows, and ashen-greys. The flight feathers 

 of the wings and tail are barred ; add to this 

 pleasing arrangement of colouring his crimson 

 crown or crest he raises this considerably 

 at times and the crimson moustache edged 

 with black, not forgetting that very keen yel- 



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