AVES—WOODPECKER. 553 
and most useful food is insects, particularly those numerous and destructive 
species that penetrate the bark and body of the tree, to deposit their eggs and 
larve, the latter of which are well known to make immense havoc. In fact, 
insects form at least two thirds of his subsistence. He searches for them 
with a dexterity and intelligence, I may safely say, more than human; he 
perceives by the exterior surface of the bark where they lurk below; when 
he is dubious, he rattles vehemently on the outside with his bill, and his 
acute ear distinguishes the terrified vermin skrinking within to their inmost 
retreats, where his pointed and barbed tongue soon reaches them. ‘Ine 
masses of bugs, caterpillars, and other larve which I have taken from the 
stomachs of these birds have often surprised me. These larve, it should be 
remembered, feed not only on the buds, leaves and blossoms, but on the very 
vegetable life of the tree,—the newly forming bark and wood; the conse- 
quence is, that whole branches and trees decay under the silent ravages of 
these destructive vermin. It must therefore be allowed, that the services of 
this useful bird more than compensate for his petty thefts on apple and cherry 
trees. 
These birds build their nests in the body or large limbs of trees, taking in 
no materials, but smoothing it within to the proper shape and size. The 
female lays six eggs. Notwithstanding the care which this bird takes to 
place its young beyond the reach of enemies, yet there is one deadly foe 
against whose depredations there is no security. This is the black snake, 
who frequently glides up the trunk of the tree, and, like a skulking savage, 
enters the woodpecker’s peaceful apartment, devours the eggs or helpless 
young, in spite of the cries and flutterings of the parents; and if the place 
be large enough, coils himself up in the spot they occupied, where he will 
sometimes remain several days; and often terrifies the eager schoolboy, 
who thrusts his arm into the cavity after the callow brood. Several adven- 
tures of this kind have come to my knowledge. 
This bird is nine inches and a half long; the head and neck are deep scar- 
let; the back, wing-coverts, and tail, black; the lower part of the back, and 
whole under parts are white. 
THE TVORY-BILLE’D WOODPE CK ER.2 
In strength and magnitude, stands at the head of the whole class of woad- 
peckers hitherto discovered. He may be called the king or chief of his tribe ; 
and nature seems to have designed him a distinguished characteristic, in the 
superb carmine crest and bill of polished ivory with which she has orna- 
mented him. His eye is brilliant and daring, and his whole frame admira- 
bly adapted for his mode of life. His manners have also a dignity in them 

1 Picus principalis, Lin. 
70 47 
é 
