THE GREATER SPOTTED WOODPECKER IN SCOTLAND. 85 
like crags of the Himalayas, it is not unreasonable to suppose 
that the needle-like extremities of the rectrices may subserve a 
similar purpose to the stiff tail-feathers of the Woodpeckers, and 
enable this bird to cling with greater security to the crags 
amongst which it builds. It is remarkable that, with the exception 
of the specimens observed in England, none are recorded to have 
been met with in Europe.—Ep.] 
ON THE DECREASE IN SCOTLAND OF THE GREATER 
SPOTTED WOODPECKER. 
By J. A. Harvie-Brown. 
Many accounts are to be found of the former occurrence of 
the Great Spotted Woodpecker as a nesting species in Scotland, 
more especially in the ancient forests of Rothiemurchus, ‘'arn- 
away, and Spey, and of Strathglass and other portions of 
Invernesshire, along the banks of the Caledonian Canal, and 
Loch Ness-side. It will be unnecessary, therefore, to adduce 
evidence of the fact,—although I possess a considerable amount 
of material for the purpose,—but a few remarks suggest them- 
selves. 
First, this bird does not seem to have been a widely or 
generally recognized species as a resident in Scotland, even at 
the comparatively early date of 1791—96, for no records of its 
occurrence during summer are given in the ‘Old Statistical 
Account of Scotland,’ although it is mentioned as an autumn 
visitant.* Hyven so late as 1840, MacGillivray wrote of it as 
‘in all parts rare,” though ‘‘a permanent resident.” t+ 
Evidence, however, of its abundance, or presence, in these 
parts of Scotland may be gleaned from Stuart’s ‘Lays of the 
Deer Forest, Rev. Lachlan Shaw's ‘ History of the Province of 
Moray,’ and many other sources— both published and unpublished. 
Sir Dudley Majoribanks, Bart., who has assisted me with much 
interesting correspondence on this and kindred subjects, writes :— 
“Hugh Frazer says it was a favourite cage-bird, and that the 
Priest at Glassburn—seven miles from here, 7.e., from Guisachan 
* «Old Statistical Account, 1791-6. An old record well worthy of consideration. 
+ ‘British Birds,’ vol, iii., p. 80. 1840. 
