VOL. XIII.] DRUMMING OF WOODPECKERS. 41 



that the sound is instrumental and not vocal, was supplied 

 by a bird seen near Pass Christian in Mississippi. It was first 

 observed drumming on a telephone post. The sound was 

 rather dull, and did not appear to satisfy the bird, which 

 presently flew up to the top of the pole. This was cut sloping 

 like a roof and was covered with tin. Drumming on this 

 produced a note that was metallic, but still dull. After a 

 further short interval the bird flew down close to where the 

 metallic arm projected carrying the insulator, and there 

 settled itself so as to be able to drum upon the thin bit of 

 metal. This was not altogether easy ; but the sound given 

 out was now a clear, ringing, metallic note, and seemed to 

 satisfy the bird, which remained drumming for several 

 minutes, and came back repeatedly after short absences. 



This drumming differs from that of our Woodpeckers in 

 having a slower rh3'thm, but otherwise seems to be executed 

 in quite the same way. The deliberate choice of the best 

 sounding spot and substance is interesting. The arrival of 

 man and his artificialities has allowed the bird to indulge 

 a taste for loudness not permitted it in nature. 



But while reasoning from analogy is not completely con- 

 clusive, the habits of the American species make it distinctly 

 more probable that the sound produced by the Spotted 

 Woodpeckers is an instrumental and not a vocal one. 

 Assuming this to be so, we see that our species have not 

 developed the desire to search for agreeable sound-producers 

 to such an extent as their American relative. They do, 

 however, appear to select one or a few special places for their 

 drumming, and there can be little doubt that these are chosen 

 on account of their resonant properties, the bird trying many 

 boughs before it selects one as its drumming place for the 

 season. 



As to the function of the drumming, it is without doubt 

 of sexual significance, and very similar to the song of most 

 monogamous singing birds : partly a stimulant to the other 

 member of the pair, partly a signal of the bird's presence, but 

 also a channel for the release of the mental excitement of the 

 pairing season, and so pleasurable in itself. 



