TIIKIK K(()\()MI(' KKLAIIOXS 'i'n 'II I K A( ;i< K’ I' I /I'l ' k I ST 
/ 
THE YELLOW-BELLIED WOODPECKER OR SAPSUCKER. 
The illustration will prove so helpful in enabling one to 
distinguish between this injurious form and other woodpeckers 
which are useful that we add these few words, although the species 
is briefly discussed in Circular M. In striking contrast to other 
birds whose tongues are extensile for extracting borers from 
infested trees, the tongue of this s])ecies has a somewhat “brush- 
like” tip. It cannot be protruded to any extent, and is thus 
modifled for an entirely dififerent diet from that of other members 
of the same family. That it seriously injures l)irches, maples, 
mountain ash, ajjple, evergreen, and other trees by girdling them 
with holes in its seeking for sap and cambium goes without say- 
ing. It may and probably does consume a few insects which are 
attracted to the bleeding holes, but not in sufficient numbers or of 
