370 



BRITISH BIRDS. 



tion is similar to that of the preceding species. It is a resident and 

 breeds throughout North America as far north as the limit of forest- 

 growth and as far south as Mexico. Its habits, nest, and eggs are not 

 known to differ from those of the other Woodpeckers. The only species 

 in this country with which it is likely to be confused is the Lesser Spotted 

 Woodpecker, from which it may easily be distinguished by having the nape 

 instead of the crown scarlet. 



Of the third species, the Golden-winged Woodpecker (Colaptes auratus), 

 a specimen was shot in Amesbury Park, Wilts, in the autumn of 1836 

 (Marsh, 'Zoologist/ 1859, p. 6327). There can be little doubt that the 

 bird was shot in this country, but had most probably escaped from a cage. 

 The Golden-winged Woodpecker is found throughout North America, as 

 far west as the Rocky Mountains, as far north as the Arctic circle, and 

 as far south as the Gulf of Mexico. To the northern portions of its range 

 it is only a summer visitor ; but in the central and southern portions it 

 is a resident. The habits and eggs of this Woodpecker do not differ much 

 from those of its congeners. 



