GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER. 81 



sington Gardens, .where they are not unfrequent, was observed, 

 a lew years since, early in the morning, climbing up the wall 

 of a house near Cavendish Square, London. Was it making 

 its way to the 'Woods and Forests?' 



In Scotland it sparingly occurs in Roxburghshire and Dum- 

 friesshire, and even farther north; and in the neighbourhood 

 of the Spey and the Dee. In the Orkney Islands, one was 

 shot near Scapa; another by Mr. Strang, on the 10th. of 

 September, 1830; a young one was caught at Stronsay; and 

 another shot in the garden of Mr. Traill, of Woodwick, at 

 Kirk wall. For these particulars I am indebted to the very 

 complete 'Historia Naturalis Orcadensis,' published by W. B. 

 Baikie, Esq., M.D., and Mr. Robert Heddle, and very oblig- 

 ingly forwarded to me by those gentlemen, for the use of 

 this work. 



In Ireland, eleven specimens have been placed on record by 

 William Thompson, Esq., of Belfast, as having occurred in 

 various parts of the island. 



Mr. Selby considers that these birds are probably migratory, 

 as he has met with them in Northumberland in the months 

 of October and November, generally after storms from the 

 north-east. They, at all events, wander about more in the 

 autumn than in any other part of the year. 



This species naturally displays the capabilities of climbing, 

 which distinguish its race. With the most easy adroitness 

 it run-; in all upward directions over the branches and trunks 

 of trees, seeming at the same time to prefer having the latter 

 between you and it, should you approach. Sometimes they 

 will run up to the top of the tree, and then fly off. They 

 seldom alight on the ground, and their movements then are 

 neither quick nor graceful. The old* birds shew great attach- 

 ment to their young. Montagu mentions one instance in 

 which 'notwithstanding that a chisel and mallet were used to 

 enlarge the hole, the female did not attempt to fly out till 

 the hand was introduced, when she quitted the tree at another 

 opening.' The Greater Spotted Woodpecker is a courageous, 

 active, strong, and lively bird; but unsociable with strangers, 

 and defensive of its own food. 



The flight of this Woodpecker is straight and strong, but 

 short and curved; the wings being quickly moved from, and 

 brought close back again to the body. 



Their food consists of insects and caterpillars, seeds, fruits, 

 and nuts. Mr. Gould observes that they 'sometimes alight 



VOL. II. G 



