190 BIRDS OF NORTH CAROLINA 



Like the preceding form, the male has a red patch on the back of the head, which 

 is absent in the female, while young birds in the first plumage have considerable 

 red on the top of the head, which, however, disappears with the fall moult. 



The eggs are pure white, like those of all woodpeckers, and are laid in hollows 

 dug by the bird in the limbs or trunks of dead trees. Cairns stated that in the 

 mountains it is common up to 2,500 feet elevation and breeds in April. 



174. Dryobates pubescens pubescens (Linn.). SOUTHERN DOWNY WOOD- 

 PECKER. 



Description. Smaller than the Hairy Woodpecker, which it resembles in general appearance, 

 but with the outer tail-feathers white, barred with black. L., 6.00; W., 3.50; T., 2.75. 

 Range. About the same as that of the Southern Hairy Woodpecker. 

 Range in North Carolina. Whole State, except the higher mountains; resident. 



The Southern Downy Woodpecker, which differs only from the Downy Wood- 

 pecker in slightly smaller size, and less purely white underparts, is quite common 

 in all wooded localities throughout the State, except on the higher mountains, 

 where it is replaced by the next form. It is often found haunting apple orchards 

 and the trees on lawns. 



Like the Hairy Woodpeckers, it subsists mainly on insects, of which it must con- 

 sume, in the course of a year, a very appreciable number of wood-destroying spe- 

 cies, and consequently should always be protected. In winter it eats many berries. 



Although this is the species which is most commonly known as "Sapsucker" 

 throughout the State, it does not suck or eat sap, nor in fact do any of our wood- 

 peckers, except those of the genus Sphyrapicus. The eggs are usually laid in May. 



175. Dryobates pubescens medianus (Swains.). DOWNY WOODPECKER. 



Description. Similar to the preceding, but averaging slightly larger, and with the underparts 

 purer white. 



Range. Eastern North America, mainly north of North Carolina. 

 Range in North Carolina. The higher mountains only; resident. 



FIG. 149. DOWNY WOODPECKER. 



In superficial appearance very similar to the preceding. So far as known, it has 

 been recorded in this State only from Buncombe County. 



176. Dryobates borealis (VieilL). RED-COCKADED WOODPECKER. 



Description. Back barred transversely with black and white; sides spotted with black; a 

 large white patch on each side of head, which is very conspicuous and characteristic in life; male 

 with a little red patch on each side of head. L., 8.40; W., 4.60; T., 3.70. 



