establish the differences between the two birds; and the universal acceptance by competent 

 ornithologists of our views on this point has convinced us of the correctness of our identification. 

 Nor have we been without ample material ; for we have now before us no less than nine indi- 

 viduals of P. lilfordi, and a large series of P. leuconotus for comparison, and the differences are 

 sufficiently clear at the first glance. Besides being a more strongly marked bird, the southern 

 species is at once distinguished by the barred appearance of the lower back and rump, and by 

 the crimson crown. The points of difference between the two species are well shown by Mr. 

 Keulemans in the Plates which accompany the respective articles. 



But little has been recorded on the habits and economy of the present species ; but they 

 are doubtless similar to those of its close ally. Lord Lilford sends us the following note: — " I 

 met with this species in the high woods in the valley of Vrana, near Butrinto, in Epirus, in the 

 winter of 1857-58. It is not uncommon there, but very difficult to approach. The note of this 

 bird at that season very much resembles that of Picus major, a loud single ' twit,' repeated at 

 short intervals. I never heard it produce the jarring noise so often heard from the Greater and 

 Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers." Lindermayer writes : — " Bare in Greece ; found in tbe forests of 

 Rumelia which skirt the Lake of Vrachori, in Akarnania, and in the woods on Mount CEta. In 

 a letter Dr. Kriiper informs us that it is more common on Mount Olympus than anywhere else, 

 but is found both on the mountains and plains of Greece, being occasionally met with at Lake 

 Vrachori and on Mount Parnassus." 



Messrs. Elwes and Buckley did not procure it themselves in Turkey, but noticed it in 

 Mr. Bobson's collection ; and from the latter gentleman we have received a specimen killed in 

 that country exactly agreeing with our typical specimens of P. lilfordi. Again, it is probably 

 this species which Von Nordmann refers to when he speaks of P. leuconotus occurring in 

 Southern Bussia but not extending eastwards of Bessarabia; subsequent research, however, is 

 necessary to determine the exact extent of its range. 



In naming this bird after Lord Lilford, who discovered the original specimen in Epirus, we 

 desire to acknowledge the great assistance which he has rendered us in the preparation of the 

 present work, while it needs no further testimony of ours to increase the admiration in which he 

 is held by all ornithologists for the never-failing aid which he is always ready to accord when- 

 ever the interests of science can be in any way promoted. 



Our description and measurements, as well as the figures in the Plate, are taken from a pair 

 of specimens in our collection, procured by Dr. Kriiper on Mount Olympus. The chestnut 

 colouring generally apparent on the forehead and throat of some individuals is doubtless owing 

 to a stain. 



In the preparation of the above article we have examined the following specimens : — 



E Mus. Sharpe and Dresser. 



a. Bergasskeuy, Europe, January 8th, 1871 (T. Robson). b, c, d, e,f, g, h. Macedonia, August 21st, October 

 17th and 21st, November 29th, and December 22nd, 1869 {Dr. Th. Kriiper). 



E Mus. Lord Lilford. 

 a. Valley of Vrana, Epirus, March 5th, 1857 (L.). 



