AVES— WOODPECKER. 



557 



eagerly on that grain. Its voice is hoarser than any of the others; and its 

 usual note, choiv, has often reminded me of the barking of a little lap- 

 dog. It is a most expert climber, possessing extraordinary strength in 

 the muscles of its feet and claws, and moves about the body and hori- 

 zontal limbs of the trees with equal facility in all directions. It rattles 

 like the rest of its tribe on the dead limbs with such violence, as to be heard 

 in still weather for more than half a mile ; and listens to hear the insects it 

 has alarmed. It digs its nest in the lower side of some lofty branch, 

 the male and female working together. 



This bird is ten inches in length. The upper part of the head, neck, and 

 back are of a brilliant, golden, glossy red ; the breast is ash, and the belly 

 bloody red. The back is black, crossed with bars of white. It inhabits a 

 large extent of country. 



THE GOLDEN-WINGED WOODPECKERi 



Is well known to our farmers and junior sportsmen, who take every oppor- 

 tunity of destroying him ; the former, for the supposed trespasses he commits 

 on their Indian corn, or the trifle he will bring in market ; and the latter, for 

 the mere pleasure of destruction, and perhaps for the flavor of his flesh, 

 which is in general esteem. Early in April these elegant birds begin to 

 prepare their nests, which is built in the hollow body or branch of a tree, 

 sometimes in an old apple tree. The male and female work together, and 

 encourage each other by mutual caresses. They employ themselves in hol- 

 lowing the tree for several days, and may even be heard late in the evening, 



' Picus auratiis, Lin. 



47# 



