AVES—WOODPECKER. 557 
eagerly on that grain. Its voice is hoarser than any of the others; and its 
usual note, chow, 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 iength. 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 WOODPECKER! 

Is well xnown 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, 

1 Picus auratus, Lin, 
A7* 
