302 NATURAL HISTORY. 



Family III. . PiciJse. (Lat. Picus, a "Woodpecker. Woodpecker kind.) 

 Sub-family c. Picince. 



Major (Lat. greater], ihc Great Spotted Woodpecker. 



The WOODPECKERS, whoso name indicates their habits, are 

 widely spread, being found in all quarters of the globe except 

 Australia. They subsist on insects and grubs, which they dig 

 out of trees, or discover under the bark. For this purpose 

 their whole structure is admirably adapted. The bill is long, 

 sharp, and powerful, and the formation of the feet and legs is 

 such that the bird is able to grasp the tree firmly with the 

 feet, while swinging with the force of his whole body against 

 it. Another most singular point in the Woodpeckers is 

 the method by which they are enabled to thrust the tongue 

 deep into the crevices, and bring out any insects that may 

 happen to be there. The tongue is connected with two 

 elastic ligaments which are inserted near the juncture of the 



