WOODPECKERS 



(394d) Dryobates pubescens 

 medianus 



iSwainson) (Lat., downy or hairy). 



DOWNY WOODPECKER. 



Plumage as shown, the c? being the 

 upper bird. Notice that the white 

 outer tail feathers are spotted with 

 blackish. L., 7.00; W., 4.00; T., 

 3.00; B., .65. Eggs — Four to si.x 

 glossy white, .75 -x .60; in holes in 

 trees either in woods or orchards. 



Range — Resident from Quebec 

 and Manitoba south to Va., Mo., 

 and Neb. 



(394) Dryobates pubescens 

 pubescens (l,„„,) 



SOUTHERN DOWNY WOOD- 

 PECKER. This, the type species, 

 is a trifle smaller than the northern 

 variety although the plumage does 

 not differ appreciably. 



tive notes. Both have a sharply whistled "huip," of 

 different qualities, the Downy usually uttering it several 

 times in rapid succession, while the Hairy generally gives 

 it but once or twice. 



These woodpeckers are of the greatest of value to man- 

 kind; it has been observed that in localities where wood- 

 peckers have been absent for years trees are in very poor 

 condition, all showing a degree of decay in striking contrast 

 to those in places where woodpeckers are always present. 

 Their food is practically wholly of insects, chiefly of larvae 

 which they extract from under the bark of trees. Their 

 sense of hearing is very acute, so that they may hear insects 

 boring; their bills are adapted to quickly pry off or bore 

 through the bark to get at them; and their tongues are 

 sharply pointed and slightly barbed so they can easily pull 

 larvEe from their hiding places. 



Their nests are most often in old, weather-beaten, decayed 

 stumps or limbs. The entrance hole is barely large enough 

 to admit the body of the bird and is as round as though made 



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