■i picid.e. 



probably the better to escape observation. The eggs, five 

 or six in number, are deposited in the hole on a few splinters 

 and shavings ; they are of the most delicate texture, of a pure 

 white, with the yolk shining plainly through. After fourteen 

 days' sitting, the parents are gladdened by the appearance of 

 their young brood. 



This Woodpecker is an inhabitant of most parts of the 

 middle and north of Europe, but rarely seen in the south, 

 and is very rare in Holland. Wooded countries are his 

 choice, from necessity, not caring, however, what species of 

 trees constitutes them. Like other woodpeckers, he is found 

 in all parts of the before-named localities, but usually only 

 seen alone, and is consequently considered uncommon. 



The size of the Barred Woodpecker is about six inches 

 in length, or more frequently some lines less, and in width 

 he measures, from the tip of one wing to the other, twelve 

 inches. The tail is constructed like that of the spotted 

 woodpecker, but of course is smaller, in proportion to the 

 size of the bird. 



The wings are rather pointed in front, but broad at the 

 hinder parts ; the first and second quills in the wings are 

 short, the fourth and fifth the longest in the wings ; the 

 secondaries are very broad and rounded abruptly. 



The beak is small, weaker than that of the great spotted 

 woodpecker, sharply ridged on the upper surface, and tri- 

 angular, straight and chisel-pointed, measures seven lines 

 in length, two lines and a half high, and three lines broad ; 

 lead coloured, black at the tip ; inside of the beak flesh 

 coloured. The nostrils are oval shaped, placed in a groove, 

 and covered with strong brown bristles, the tips of which 

 are black. The chin is also covered with similar bristles. 

 The iris of the young bird is chestnut, and in the adult bird 

 blood red. The tongue of this species is furnished with a 

 long horny-pointed tip, armed with barbs, and supplied 



