THE RED-HEADED WOODPECKER. 



71 



"arises partly from the uncertainty of the direction of 

 by the way, prevents animals 



sounds in forests (which, 

 from being betrayed by 

 their own notes, either 

 into danger or 



WOODPECKERS AT HOME. 



out of 

 their prey), and partly 

 from the ease with which 

 the woodpecker can glide 

 spirally round and gradu- 

 ally ascend, always keep- 

 ing on the side of the tree 

 opposite to the observer." 



The birds carry in no 

 foreign materials for 

 their nest. It is made of 

 the small chips and saw- 

 dust thrown off in the course of their operations ; and on 

 this layer, as on a couch, the female lays four or five eggs, 

 of a smooth and glossy texture, and of a pure white. 



The Red-headed Woodpecker is an American species, 

 ranging from Canada to Louisiana. He measures about 

 ten inches in length ; and, as his name implies, his head 

 and neck are of an intense scarlet. Like his congeners 

 he feeds upon insects, but he also feeds upon fruits, 

 and shows a strong partiality for the best kinds. No 

 Kentish lad or lass was ever fonder of ripe cherries; and 

 he shows a discriminating taste with respect to pears and 

 apples. If interrupted when regaling himself on the latter, 

 he thrusts his open bill deep into the finest one hanging 

 near him, and carries it off to the woods. He is much 



