i 



THE LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER. 



Dendrocopus minor (Linnaeus). 

 Plate 24. 



This little bird, which should more properly be called the Barred Woodpecker, 

 appears to be much more common than its larger relation just described, and is 

 frequently to be heard, though not so often seen, in the southern and midland parts 

 of England and the adjoining counties in Wales. In the north of England it 

 becomes scarce, while it has only once occurred in Scotland, and in Ireland the 

 records of its capture are not to be relied upon. 



In Europe the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker is found as far north as Scandi- 

 navia and Russia, and ranges eastwards across parts of Siberia and Central Asia 

 to Japan. It also inhabits North and North-west Africa. 



In May the glossy white eggs are laid in its nesting-hole, which is similar, but, 

 of course, smaller than the other species, and generally situated at a good height 

 from the ground. They are placed on the bottom of the cavity, in which chips are 

 sometimes left, and vary in number from five to eight. 



This species is said never to eat fruit or seeds, but feeds on the insects caught 

 on the trees it frequents. 



Both sexes have a short call-note, rapidly repeated, and make besides the loud 

 jarring sound somewhat resembling but more prolonged than the Great Spotted 

 Woodpecker's, produced, according to Mr. J. G. Millais, by rapid hammering of the 

 bill in a hole, which may be compared to a long-drawn guttural R. He also tells 

 me that it utters a high-pitched note when flying. 



The bird is active and restless in its habits, and usually haunts the upper 

 branches of tall trees, especially those that are dead or decayed. In the young 

 male the crown of the head is red, as in the adult bird, while the young female 

 has only the front of the head of this colour. 



Several other species of Woodpecker, native to foreign countries, are said 

 to have been taken here, but the records are either unreliable or refer to 

 escaped birds. 



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