BIRDS OF THE UNITED STATES. 
49 
Wilson gives an interesting account of the impudent coolness of this 
bird, who coveting the neatly built home of this Woodpecker, and power- 
less to construct such an apartment for herself, waits until the Wookpeckers 
have finished their work, when she attacks them with violence, and expels 
them from the nest which they have prej)ared with so much pains. 
Another example is mentioned by the same distinguished authority. In 
this instance, the Woodpeckers had commenced the work of excavation in 
a cherry-tree, within a few yards of the house in which he lived, and had 
made considerable ]:)rogress, when they were assailed by the AVrens, and 
compelled to withdraw. They then began a second nest in a pear-tree, a 
few yards off, when after digging out a most complete chamber, and laying 
one egg, they were once more attacked by the same impertinent intruder, 
and finally forced to desei’t the place. 
Having con.structed their home, which is usually the Avork of a Aveek, 
the female, after a day of recreation and rest, begins the labor of OAuposi- 
tion. This continues for four or six days, the time being regulated by the 
number of eggs Avhich is to constitute a setting, but a single egg being 
deposited daily. Incubation now follows, and is the exclusive task of the 
female for nearly tAvelve days. The male, although he takes no direct 
part in this business, is an important factor in the successful accomplish- 
ment of the undertaking, as he, like an affectionate and dutiful husband, 
supjAlies her Avith the necessary food. AA^hen not thus occupied, he may 
be seen foraging the fields and woods, or perched upon a tAvig in the calm 
enjoyment of ease and sober thought. He is seldom to be observed in the 
immediate vicinity of the nest, save AAdien carrying food to his mate, or in 
times of great calamity. It has been affirmed by Air. Paine, of Randolph, 
Vermont, that the male occasionally constructs a hole for himself close-by 
that of his mate, as he has taken males in such apartments Avhich were 
always unoccupied by eggs. He thinks that they repair thither for 
shelter. Careful ex23lorations for several years have failed to shoAv us that 
any such protection is practised in the Aliddle States, nor do we find any 
record to substantiate this statement. 
