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THE RED-HEADED WOODPECKER. 



PiCUS ERYTHROCJEPHALUS, 'LlSN. 

 PLATE XXVri. Male, Female, and Young. 



Y ou have now, kind reader, under consideration a family of Wood- 

 peckers, the general habits of which are so well known in our United 

 States, that, were I assured of your having traversed the woods of Ame- 

 rica, I should feel disposed to say little about them. 



The Red-heads (by which name this species is usually designated) may 

 be considered as residents of the United States, inasmuch as many of them 

 remain in the Southern Districts during the whole winter, and breed there 

 in summer. The greater number, however, pass to countries farther south. 

 Their migration takes place under night, is commenced in the middle of 

 September, and continues for a month or six weeks. They then fly very 

 high above the trees, far apart, like a disbanded army, propeUing them- 

 selves by reiterated flaps of the wings, at the end of each successive curve 

 which they describe in their flight. The note which they emit at this time 

 is different from the usual one, sharp and easily heard from the ground, 

 although the birds may be out of sight. This note is continued, as if it 

 were necessary for keeping the straggling party in good humour. At 

 dawn of day, the whole alight on the tops of the dead trees about the 

 plantations, and remain in search of food imtil the approach of sunset, 

 when they again, one after another, mount the air, and continue their 

 journey. 



With the exception of the Mocking Bird, I know no species so gay 

 and frolicksome. Indeed, their whole hfe is one of pleasure. They find a 

 superabundance of food everywhere, as well as the best facilities for raising 

 their broods. The little labour which they perform is itself a source of 

 enjoyment, for it is undertaken either with an assurance of procuring the 

 nicest dainties, or for the purpose of excavating a hole for the reception 

 of themselves, their eggs, or their families. They do not seem to be much 

 afraid of man, although they have scarcely a more dangerous enemy. 

 When alighted on a fence-stake by the road, or in a field, and one ap- 

 proaches them, they gradually move sidewise out of sight, peeping now 

 and then to discover your intention ; and when you are quite close and 



