124 BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 



skull, hence the tongue is capable of but little extensibility ; in place 

 of the barbs commonly seen, we find the end quite abundantly pro- 

 vided with " numerous bushy filaments." The peculiar structure of 

 their feet and sharp nails enable them by the additional support of 

 the rigid tail, to ascend the trunks and limbs of trees with singular 

 address and celerity, either in straight or spiral lines. From u Ooues 

 Key to North American Birds " a most valuable work and one which 

 deserves a place in the library of all who desire to thoroughly acquaint 

 themselves with our feather fauna the following extract relative to 

 these birds is taken : " Species are abundant in all the wooded por- 

 tion of this country and wherever found are nearly resident. For, 

 although insectivorous, they feed principally upon dormant or at least 

 stationary insects, and therefore need not migrate ; they are, mure- 

 over, hardy birds. They dig insects and their larvge out of trees, and 

 are eminently beneficial to the agriculturist and fruit-grower. Con- 

 trary to prevalent impression, their boring does not seem to injure 

 fruit trees, which may be riddled with holes without harmful results. 

 The number of noxious insects these birds destroy is simply incalcula 

 ble ; what little fruit some of them steal is not to be mentioned in the 

 same connection, and they deserve the goodwill of all. The birds of 

 the genus Sphyrapicus are probably an exception to most of these 

 statements. But Woodpeckers also feed largely upon nuts, berries 

 and other fruits ; and those which thus vary their fare to the greatest 

 extent are apt to be more or less migratory, like the common Red- 

 head for example. Woodpeckers rarely, if ever, climb head down- 

 ward, like Nuthatches, nor are the tarsi applied to their support." 



The notes of these birds, uttered when on the wing, likewise when 

 at rest, are loud and unmusical. Woodpeckers, with the exception of 

 the Flicker, are not usually observed to alight on the ground. Insects 

 which lie under the bark are readily discovered by the Woodpecker, 

 who gives a sharp tap with his bill, and then placing his head close to 

 the tree, listens attentively to hear the movements of his favorite prey. 

 As soon as he discovers a beetle or a grub moving in its snug retreat 

 the bark or other covering of the luckless insect is torn away and the 

 crawling creature is captured. The large chisel-like bill and the stiff 

 tail feathers, which gradually taper to a point, will suffice to enable 

 you to recognize a Woodpecker.] 



GENUS DRYOBATBS. BOIE. 

 393. Dryobates villosus. (LINN.) 



Hairy Woodpecker. 



DESCRIPTION. 



"The Hairy Woodpecker is 9 inches long and 15 in extent; crown black; line 

 over and under the eye white ; the eye is placed in a black line, that widens as it de- 

 scends to the back ; hind head scarlet, sometimes intermixed with black ; nostrils 

 hid under remarkably thick, bushy, recumbent hairs, or bristles ; under the bill are 



