GREEN WOODPECKER, 



GECINUS VIRIDIS {Linn.). 



Picus viridis, Linn. S. N. i. p. 175 (1766) ; Naum. v. p. 270; 



Macff. iii. p. 91 ; Hewitson, i. p. 239. 

 Gecinus viridis, Yarr. ed. 4, ii. p. 457; Dresser, v. p. 77. 



Pic vert, French ; Griinspecht, German ; Pito real, Pito 

 verde, Spanish. 



Although sad havoc has been worked upon this fine 

 species by dealers and their agents on account of its 

 bright plumage, I am glad to say that it is still tolerably 

 abundant in most of our wooded districts, becoming 

 scarce in the northern counties of England, whilst in 

 Scotland and Ireland it is virtually unknown. In the 

 spring the Green Woodpecker announces his presence 

 by a loud laughing call, and has in some parts of the 

 country obtained the nickname of " yaffle " from this 

 peculiarity, which is commonly supposed to foretell rain, 

 and certainly is more frequently to be heard in showery 

 than in fine weather. There is a restless energy and 

 determination in all the movements of Woodpeckers 

 that is very remarkable ; whatever they do is evidently 

 done with all their mind and all their strength, and, 

 except when asleep, they are always active. 



