BIRDS OF THE UNITED STATES. 
46 
Plate IX. 
PICUS PUBESCENS, LiNNJius. 
Downy Woodpecker. 
The Downy Woodpeckek, or Lessee Sapsucker as it is called by- 
way of distinction, is a resident rather than a migratory species, and is 
known to breed wherever it is fonnd. Its area of distribution extends 
from Lower Louisiana to Labrador, and from Texas northward through 
New Mexico and the Indian Territory to the 58° of latitude. It is also 
quite common in the maritime parts of Alaska, the Aleutian Islands 
excepted. Although abundant east of the Rocky Mountains, and rather 
more numerous than its nearest kin, the Larger Sapsucker, yet, owing to the 
smallness of its size, it is not so well known outside of cultivated districts. 
V 
In the autumnal and winter months, these birds lead solitary lives. 
Go where we will, then, we may here and there behold isolated individ- 
uals busily probing the fissured bark of trees for the eggs and piq^a of 
insects. Even the mature forms meet with the same cruel treatment. 
Though rarely observed in cultivated districts during these times, yet 
a visit to the- woods will reveal many a little fellow in dappled dress 
arrayed, with or without a crown of red, wending his slow and labored 
flight from tree to tree, or waking the clear echoes of rock and shady 
glen with his shrill music and weird drumming. 
But when balmy Spring returns, and releases the earth from the icy 
fetters of the winter-god, and peoples our shade and fruit trees with 
countless insect existences, then quits he the wild forest scenery, in a 
measure, and betakes himself to our lawns and orchards. This is not 
always the case. Eor in those lands where civilization has not planted. 
