XVI 



THE FLICKER 



THE flicker is the largest of our common 

 American woodpeckers, being somewhat longer 

 and stouter than the robin. It is known, by 

 sight at least, to almost every one who notices 

 birds at all, and perhaps for this reason it has 

 received an unusual number of popular names. 

 " Golden-winged woodpecker," which is proba- 

 bly the best known of these, comes from the fact 

 that the bird's wings are yellow on the under 

 side. " Harry Wicket," " Highhole," because 

 its nest is sometimes pretty far above the ground, 

 " Yellowhammer," and " Pigeon-woodpecker " 

 are also among its more familiar nicknames. 



Unlike other birds of its family, the flicker 

 passes much of its time on the ground, where 

 it hops awkwardly about, feeding upon insects, 

 especially upon ants. As you come near it, 

 while it is thus engaged, it rises with a peculiar 

 purring sound, and as it flies from you it shows 

 a broad white patch on its rump the lower 



