IVORY-BILLED WOODPECKER. 



17 



ivory-billed and pileated woodpecker, represented in the same 

 plate ; and it was not till I showed them the two birds to- 

 gether, that they knew of any difference. The more intelligent 

 and observing part of the natives, however, distinguish them 

 by the name of the large and lesser logcocks. They seldom 

 examine 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. 



The food of this bird consists, I believe, entirely of insects 

 and their larvae.* The pileated woodpecker is suspected 



diately after renewing its blows with, fresh vigour, all the while sound- 

 ing 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 the least shy. 

 Their mutual attachment is, I believe, continued through life. Except- 

 ing 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 destroy the insects that would 

 otherwise prove injurious to the trees. 



" I 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 immedi- 

 ately makes for the nearest tree, and ascends it with great rapidity and 

 perseverance until it reaches the top branches, when it squats and hides, 

 generally with great effect. Whilst ascending, it moves spirally round 

 the tree, utters its loud fait, fait, pait, 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 firmly 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. On such occasions, this bird 

 utters a mournful and very piteous cry." — Ed. 



* Mr Audubon says, that though the greater part of their food consists 

 of insects and their larvae, no sooner are the grapes of our forests ripe, 

 than they are eaten with the greatest avidity. I have seen this bird 

 hang by its claws to the vines, in the position so often assumed by the 

 titmouse, and, reaching down, help itself to a bunch of grapes. Per- 

 simmons are also sought by them, as soon as the fruit becomes quite 

 mellow, and hagberries. — Ed. 



VOL. II. B 



