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PICUS PUBESCENS— LINN. 

 DOWNY WOODPECKER. 



Downy Woodpecker, Picus pubescens, Wils. Amer. Orn, 



Picus pubescens, Bonap. Syn. 



Picus punescens, Downy Woodpecker, Sw. & Rich. 



Downy Woodpecker, Nutl. Mjn. 



Downy Woodpecker, Picus pubescens, Aud. Orn. Biog. 



Specific Character — Bill, along the gap, three quarters of an 

 inch ; tarsi five-eighths ; length of tail two inches and five-six- 

 teenths. Adult with the upper part of the head glossy black ; a 

 white band over the eye ; a scarlet band on the hind neck ; a black 

 band from the eye passing back on the hind neck ; a similar band 

 from the corners of the mouth passing down the sides of the neck ; 

 between these two there is a white band, which is much broader at 

 its termination on the hind neck ; upper parts black, the middle of 

 the back marked with white — spots of the same color on the wings ; 

 middle tail feathers black — the next with a white spot on the outer 

 web — the adjoining one with the larger portion of the outer web, 

 the tip, and a spot near the end of the inner web white, which color 

 predominates on the rest. Female without the scarlet on the hind 

 neck; lower parts soiled white. Length six inches and three 

 quarters, wing three and five-eighths. 



This small species resides with us throughout the year and is the 

 most industrious of its tribe. It is always observed moving about 

 the bodies of trees, or creeping along the branches, diligently at 

 work dislodging lurking insects that are concealed between the 

 bark and the wood ; while thus engaged, it labors with much ener- 

 gy and activity, frequently spending several minutes at one spot, 

 rather than suffer the vermin to continue unmolested their work of 

 destruction. On such occasions it becomes so intent on its occupa- 

 tion as to allow you to approach quite near the scene of its opera- 

 tions. Having accomplished its purpose, it looks wistfully round 

 and finding you too near for its safety, moves oft', uttering a shrill 

 note as it flies to a neighboring tree. 

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