SPOTTED WOODPECKER. 61 



GKEAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER 



(Dendrocopus major). 



Eesident ; rarer than the last, but found fairly abundantly in 

 the midland and southern counties ; still rarer towards the 

 north ; very rare in Ireland. 



Haunts. As last. 



Observation. In general appearance distinctly spotted. 



Plumage. Upper parts and head black ; nape crimson. Spot 

 each side of neck, scapulars, lesser wing-coverts, and under 

 parts white. Vent and under tail-coverts crimson. Bill slaty 

 black. Legs dark brown. Length 9J in. Female smaller, and 

 no crimson on nape. Yonng, crimson areas duller. 



Language. " Chik," or " gick" ; it also calls to its mate by 

 rapping its beak on a bough. 



Habits. Far more silent than the last, and confines its 

 attentions more to the smaller branches of trees ; otherwise 

 very similar. 



Food. Insects and their larvae ; spiders, worms, acorns, 

 nuts, seeds, &c. 



Nest. Mid-May. One brood. 



Site. In a hole in a tree, usually made by the bird. 



Materials. None. 



Eggs. Five to eight. Shining creamy white. 



LESSEE SPOTTED WOODPECKER 



(Dendrocopus minor). 



Eesident ; fairly abundant in the southern and midland 

 counties ; much rarer farther North ; very rare in Ireland. 



Haunts. As last. 



Plumage. Much like last, but smaller, being about the size 

 of a Sparrow. Distinctly barred rather than spotted on the 

 back and wings. Length 5 in. Female, crown whitish, and 

 not crimson as in male, and under parts more striated. Young, 

 much like the adults. 



Language. A short sharp chirp; also "tick-tick." 



Habits. It keeps to the smaller branches like the last, and, 

 on account of its small size, is difficult to observe ; otherwise 

 similar to the last two species. 



Food. Insects and their larvae, principally. 



Nest. May. One brood. 



Site. In hole in a tree, excavated by the bird. 



Materials. None. 



Eggs. Five to eight. Glossy creamy white. 



