164 BIRD GALLERY. 



the box, the birds deserted, and the nest and eggs were subsequently 

 removed [Nest No. 1] . 



In 1890 a pair built a new nest, laid seven eggs, and reared a brood 

 of five young. Although letters were posted daily, and often found 

 lying on the back of the sitting bird, it never left the nest when the 

 box was cleared. This nest [No. 2] is exhibited in its original position 

 in the post-box, with one of the unhatched eggs. 



When the box was removed to the British Museum, in the autumn 

 of 1890, an exactly similar one was put up in its place. The birds took 

 possession of this in the following spring, and, with the exception of 

 1894, have continued to build there every year. The other nest ex- 

 hibited [No. 3] was commenced on April 26th, 1896, and the brood of 

 twelve young birds reared in it flew on June 10th. 



The birds entered and left the nest by the slit for the letters, which 

 were posted daily in the box. 



Presented by Mr. Locker-Lampson. 



No. 76. GREEN WOODPECKER. (Gecinus viridis.) 



The largest of our British Woodpeckers, generally known as the 

 " Yaffle," is met with in most of the wooded districts of England and 

 Wales, but is almost unknown in Scotland and Ireland. Though 

 much of its insect-food is captured on the tree-stems, it may frequently 

 be seen feeding on the ground, and is especially partial to ants and 

 their pupse. Early in April the birds chisel out a circular hole in the 

 trunk or branch of a tree, which is generally decayed, and excavate a 

 nesting- chamber in the heart of the stem. The eggs are glossy white 

 and from five to seven in number. 



Norfolk, June. 

 Presented by Lord Walsingham. 



No. 77. LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER. 



(Denclrocopus minor.) 



Owing to its small size and partiality for tall trees, such as elms 

 and poplars, this species frequently escapes observation, but is fairly 

 common in many parts of the southern half of England ; it is rare in 

 the north, and very uncommon in Scotland and Ireland. 



The nest-hole is often made in the highest branches of tall trees, 

 but sometimes at very moderate elevations or in pollard willows and 

 hornbeams, as in the present instance. Six or seven white eggs are laid 



