CHAPTER LXXVI. 



The Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. 



Picus minor, Lin. ; Le jjetit Ej^eiche, Buf. 



Desceiption and Chaeactee. — The Lesser Spotted Wood- 

 pecker is a rare bird, and much, localised ; it differs from its 

 larger relative, the Greater Spotted Woodpecker, in size, and 

 likewise in the colours and variegation of its plumage, but in 

 habit, and many other respects, greatly resembles it. 



The length of a full-grown specimen is o-^in., of which 

 the tail measures 2in. It weighs, in good condition, only 

 loz. The bill is shorter than that of the other varieties in 

 proportion to the size of its body, and is a dingy greenish 

 lead colour. The irides are red. The upper parts of the 

 body are black and white, marked or variegated in the form 

 of stripes ; the forehead is pale dullish buff, and the top, 

 or crown, of the head crimson ; the cheeks and sides of the 

 neck are white ; the scapulars and wings are variously 

 mottled with black and white ; the wings are long, as in all 

 the varieties of the Woodpecker, and when closed extend 

 half way down the tail ; the under parts of the body are 

 dingy greyish white, faintly tinged with red, and thinly and 

 lightly streaked on the sides with black ; the tail is black 

 and white, the four centre feathers being entirely black. The 

 legs and feet are of a dirty greenish lead colour. 



Habits and Beeeding. — These birds, although scarce, 

 are found in many parts of Europe. In England they are 

 mostly met with in the Midland and Southern counties, 

 where they breed. They resort to woods, orchards, and 



