IVORY-BILLED WOODPECKER. Q77 
So little attention do the people of the countries where these birds 
inhabit pay to the minutie of natur<] history, that, renerally speaking, 
they make no distinction between the Ivory-billed and Pileated Wood- 
pecker, represented in the same plate ; and it’was not till I showed 
them the two birds together, that they knew of any difference. The 
more intelligent and observing part of the-natives, however, distin- 
ish them by ‘the name of the Large and Lesser Logcocks. They sel- 
lom exatnine them but at a distance, gunpowder being considered too 
precious to be thrown away on Woodpeckers; nothing less than a 
Turkey being thought worth the value of a load. 
“In Kentucky and Indiana, the Ivory-Bills seldom raise more than one brood in 
the season. The young are at first of the color of the female, only that they want 
the crest, which. however, grows rapidly, and towards autamn — particularly in birds 
of the first breed —is nearly equal to that of the mother. The males have then a slight 
line of red on the head, and do not attain their richness of plumage until spring. or 
their full size until the second year. Indeed, even then, a difference is easily ob- 
served between them and individuals which are much older. 
“The food of this species consists principally of beetles, larve, and large grubs. 
No sooner, however, are the grapes of our forests ripe than they are eaten by the 
Ivory-billed Woodpecker “with great avidity. I have seen this bird hang by its 
claws to the vines, in the position so often assumed by a Titmouse, and, reaching 
downwards, help itself to a bunch of grapes with much apparent pleasure. Per- 
simmons are also sought for by them, as scon as the fruit becomes quite mellow, as 
are hagberries. 
«The Ivory-Bill is never seen attacking the corn. or the fruit of the orchard, although 
it is sometimes observed working upou and chipping off the bark trom. the belted 
trees of the newly-cleared plantations. It seldom comes near the ground, but pre- 
fers at all times tops of the tallest trees. Should it, however, 2scover the half- 
standing broken shaft of a large dead and rotten tree, it attacks it in such a manner 
as nearly to demolish it in the course of a few days. I bave seen the remains of 
some of these ancient monarchs of our forests so excavated, and that so singularly, 
that the tottering fragments of the trunk appeared to be merely supported by the great 
pile of chips by which its base was surrounded. The strength of this Woodpecker 
is such, that I have seen it detach pieces of bark seven or eight inches in length at 
a single blow of its powerful bill, and by beginning at the top branch of a dead tree, 
tear off the bark, to an extent of twenty or thirty feet, in the course of a few hours, 
leaping downwards, with its body in an upward position, tossing its head to the 
right and left, or leaning it against the bark to ascertain the precise spot where the 
gtubs were concealed, and immediately after renewing its blows with fresh vigor, 
all the while sounding its loud notes, as if highly delighted. 
“This species generally moves in pairs. after the young have left their parents. 
The female is always the most clamorous and least shy. Their mutual attach- 
ment is. I believe, continued through life. Excépting when digging a hole for the 
reception of their eggs, these birds seldom, if ever. attack living trees, for any 
other purpose than that of procuring food. in doing which they destrov the insects 
that would otherwise prove injurious to the trees. ‘ 
“T have frequently observed the male and female retire to rest for the night, into 
the same hole in which they had long before reared their young. This generally 
happens a short time after sunset. ; 
«When wounded and brought to the ground, the Ivory-Bill immediately makes 
for the nearest tree, and ascends it with great rapidity and perseverance until it 
reaches the top branches, when it squats and tiles, generally with great effect. 
Whilst ascending, it moves spirally round the tree, utters its loud nuit. pait, pail, 
at almost every hop, but becomes ‘silent the moment it reaches a place where it 
conceives itself secure. They sometimes cling to the bark with their claws so fimmly 
as to remain cramped to the spot for several hours after death. When taken by 
the hand, which is rather a hazardous undertaking. they strike with great violence, 
and inflict very severe wounds with their bill as well as claws, which are extremely 
sharp and strong. Qn such occasions, this bird utters a mournful and very piteous 
ery.” —Eb. oa 
