Picarice 103 



a southward migration begins, at least in Britain, in 

 September. The Wryneck, so-caUed from its habit of 

 twisting its head upon its shoulders, is a quiet bird, 

 which makes short undtilating flights from tree to tree, 

 and feeds on the insects to be found on the bark or 

 on ants which it picks up from the ground with its 

 long tongue ; its spring note is very loud, and consists 

 of a single syllable sharply repeated. It does not cut 

 a hole for itself as a Woodpecker does, but lays six or 

 more white eggs in a hole in a tree, normally without 

 any bedding. Sometimes a hole in a bank is selected 

 and more often an artificial nest-box. When disturbed 

 while incubating, the hen hisses loudly. 



Subfamily Picinse, on Woodpeckees 



Three Woodpeckers breed in Britain and all are 

 resident species. Of these the Great Spotted Wood- 

 pecker {Dryobates major) is found in one form or another 

 throughout the Palsearctic region, except north 

 Africa, and is locally common in England. Large 

 numbers come in from the Continent towards the latter 

 part of the year, and to these is ascribed the present 

 increase of breeding birds in Scotland. An ancient 

 colony which had existed on Spey-side died out, but 

 within the last fifty years a good many pairs, have 

 taken up their summer quarters in the Lowlands, have 

 spread across the Border, and have effected a junction 

 with their relations in England. It might be supposed 

 that a black and white bird with crimson on the nape 

 and vent would be very conspicuous, but such is not 

 the case, for the bright colours are not generally evident 

 to the naked eye in woods, while the hen lacks the 

 crimson nape. The food consists chiefly of insects. 



