288 



OHIO EXPERIMENT STATION. 



apparently to avoid breaking into an abandoned Woodpecker's excavation 

 from which even then it was separated by only a very thin partition. Its dimensions 

 are given herewith : 



The eggs from this nest exhibit a remarkable difference in size, as will be seen from 

 the following measurements (in inches), viz. : .81 x.65, . Sox. 63, -77x.63, .77x.62, .71 x 

 59 -^7 x -53? -55 x -49- They were all in varying stages of incubation ; the four largest 

 being approximately one-half incubated ; the fifth in size, about one-fourth ; and the 

 two smallest nearly fresh. This variation in the incubation of eggs in the same nest 

 has been, in the case of Dryobates pubescens, observed by the writer in also another 

 instance, but so far at least as may be inferred from the accounts of the nesting of the 

 species published by other observers, it does not seem to be a common occurrence. 

 Both sexes assist in the duties of incubation. 



Specimens of the Downy Woodpecker, as well as of some other birds from this 

 locality, are frequently found to have the plumage of the under par'.s much soiled 

 from contact with the bark of the trees. 



GENUS SPHRYAPICUS BAIRD. 



YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, NATURAL SIZE. 



78. Sphryapicus varius (LINN.). 

 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. 



A common spring transient, but apparently rare in autumn. It is not usually ob- 

 served in winter, but a specimen was taken by Mr. W. E. Henderson, near Wooster, 

 January i, 1890. It appears generally between the second and eighth of April, and 

 commonly disappears before the middle of May. It has been noticed in fall only 

 twice: September 27, 1891, and October, 2, 1892. It seems in this locality to prefer 

 the bottom woodlands, where it is sometimes seen in company with other Wood- 

 Deckers. 



