Nests in Holes in Trees, Stumps, or Logs 
ciding for or against some particular tree ; and I believe that if, 
after having found one that is thoroughly suitable, they imagine 
themselves observed while excavating, they will immediately 
abandon the tree. 
The breeding season begins rather before the middle of May. 
8393b. Southern Hairy Woodpecker: D. v. audubonii 
(Swains.) 
A smaller sub-species of the hairy woodpecker found south 
of North Carolina. Nesting habits and eggs identical. 
394. Southern Downy Woodpecker: Dryobates pube- 
scens (Linn.) 
and 
394c. Downy Woodpecker: Dryobates pubescens medi- 
anus (Swains.) 
Adult &— Upper parts black, with a white line down the back ; 
head black, with a white line above and another below the 
eye ; back of head deep scarlet ; under parts white. 
Adult 2 —No scarlet on the head. Length—6.83. 
Breeding Range—Southern Downy Woodpecker, Florida to South 
Carolina. Downy Woodpecker from there northward. 
Eggs ina hole, usually in a partly decayed tree, apple trees 
being perhaps the favourites, a fresh hole being made each season. 
4 to 6 white eggs are laid on the bed of very fine chips at the 
bottom of the hole; the entrance is very small and usually per- 
fectly round, about one and a quarter inches in diameter. Size of 
eggs—.80 X .57. 
The Downy Woodpeckers are the smallest and undoubtedly 
the tamest of the members of their family found in the Eastern 
States. In apple orchards they are generally to be found during 
the summer months, and there it is that they choose their nesting 
tree, laying their eggs about the first of May. 
395. Red-cockaded Woodpecker: Dryobates borealis 
(Vieill.) 
Adult 4—Upper parts black barred with white ; wings spotted 
with white ; a scarlet tuft on either side of the head, back of 
Io! 
