curiously shuttle-shaped form : an api^earance due to the 

 shortness of its tail, as may be seen by a reference to the 

 excellent coloured Plate. 



The identification of birds in flight will be rendered easier 

 for the novice if he makes a practice of " expecting " to find 

 particular birds in particular places. That is to say, the 

 haunts of birds are governed by their stomachs — ^they must 

 not stray far from the source of their food. In a wood, then, 

 you may " expect " to find woodpeckers — ^though you will 

 often be disappointed, for they are by no means always to be 

 seen. But the task of identification will be easier if one has 

 a mental picture ready of the birds appropriate to the place. 



The green woodpecker, our largest native species, often 

 betrays itself by its remarkable cry, reminiscent of a laugh — 

 " ha, ha, ha," and " pleu, pleu, pleu," Keep quite still, and 

 presently, as hkely as not, it will suddenly make its appear- 

 ance with a rapid, undulating flight. As it alights on some 

 neighbouring tree-trunk, its identity will be finally estab- 

 Ushed by its green back and wings, yellow rump, and crimson 

 crown. It ascends the tree by jerky leaps. Where ant- 

 hills abound it may often be seen on the ground, moving 

 about with awkward hops, exploring the hills for ants. The 

 greater and lesser spotted woodpecker may also sometimes 

 be seen here, especially if there is much old timber about. 

 In spring its presence is often made known by a peculiar 



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