108 
places the strong feathers of its tail against 
the tree, and thus standing (as it were) 
erect, forms the hole with its beak; during 
the time it is performing this operation, 
its strokes are reiterated with such velocity, 
that the head is scarcely perceived to move. 
The sound may be distinctly heard at a 
very considerable distance. As thev find 
no great difficulty in making these holes, 
thev are very fastidious in their choice, 
§nd often make twenty before one gives 
entire satisfaction; but having once fixed, 
they never forsake it until they have 
reared their young. Beyond making the 
cavil), they are extremely indolent with 
respect to the formation of their nests, 
noi taking the trouble to give then, any 
fcind of lining, but depositing their eggs 
the hole, without any thing to keep 
11 warm, except the heat of the 
I ■ ' hiidy. 
Bight of these birds is undulating, 
harsh, and their toes placed 
and two backward, except in 
reign species. 
