THE DOWNY WOODPECKER 



ALEXANDER WILSON 



THIS is the smallest of our Woodpeckers and closely 

 resembles the .Hairy Woodpecker in its tint and 

 markings, and in almost everything except its diminutive size. 

 It remains with us the whole year. 



About the middle of May the male and female look out for 

 a suitable place for the reception of their eggs and young. 

 An apple, pear or cherry tree, often in the near neighborhood 

 of the farmhouse, is generally selected for this purpose. The 

 tree is minutely reconnoitered for several days previous to the 

 operation, and the work is first begun by the male, who cuts 

 out a hole in the solid wood, as circular as if described with a 

 pair of compasses. He is occasionally relieved by the female, 

 both working with great diligence. 



The direction of the hole, if made in the body of the tree, 

 is generally downward, at an angle of thirty or forty degrees, 

 for the distance of six or eight inches, and then straight down 

 for ten or twelve more. Within it is- roomy, capacious and as 

 smooth as if polished by the cabinet-maker, but the entrance 

 is judiciously left just so large as to admit the body of the 

 owner. During this labor the birds regularly carry out the 

 chips, often strewing them at a distance to prevent suspicion. 

 This occupation sometimes continues for nearly a week. 



Before she begins to lay, the female often visits the place, 

 passes in and out, examines every part, both of the exterior 



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