British Cage Birds. 



perfect in form, and the exhibit free from dirt or stain. It 

 should be shown in a large open-wired or basket cage, and 

 a piece of an old log (wood) should be artistically placed 

 at one side, in an oblique position, next the back of the 

 cage, for the bird to rest upon, and show itself to the best 

 advantage. 



Geneeal Remaeks. — The Green Woodpecker thrives best 

 when kept in an outdoor aviary with birds congenial in habit. 

 It can bear a considerable amount of cold without appearing 

 at all incommoded. When taken young, or reared by hand 

 from the nest, it becomes comparatively tame, and forms an 

 interesting acquisition to a select aviary of birds. 



The Green Woodpecker is facetiously termed the " Weather- 

 " cock " in some parts of the North of England, as it utters a 

 piteous, wailing cry, Pleu, pleu," whenever wet weather is 

 approaching ; and this habit has doubtless obtained for it the 

 designation of " Woodwail," a name frequently given to it 

 by people in rural districts. 



Diseases and their Treatment, — The Woodpecker is a 

 very hardy bird, and may be kept in confinement for a long 

 time, providing it be carefully attended to, and given a liberal 

 supply of insect food. It is particularly fond of bees, and a 

 few of these will generally revive a drooping bird sooner than 

 anything else. Preserved insects, mealworms, and ants' eggs, 

 also act as restoratives. Like most insectivorous birds. Green 

 Woodpeckers require a supply of their natural food to keep 

 them in health, otherwise they will die of atrophy. They 

 are most liable to get out of health during the periodical 

 moulting sickness, when they should be plentifully supplied 

 with insects. 



