198 
NATURAL HISTORY 
the wings are tinged with red, which is its peculiar cha- 
racteristic; whence also it derives its name. 
These birds make their appearance a few days before 
the fieldfare, and are generally seen with them after their 
arrival; they frequent the same places, eat the same 
food, and are very similar to them in manners. Like 
the fieldfare they leave us in the spring. The female 
builds her nest in low bushes or hedges, and lays six 
eggs, of a greenish blue colour, spotted with black. 
All their season of music and pleasure, however, is 
employed in the more northern climates’ where they sing 
most delightfully, among the forests of maples with 
which those countries abound. 
Woodpecker. (Ficus. PI. 31.) Of this bird there are 
many kinds, and several varieties in each kind, but. in- 
stead of descending into a minute discrimination of everv 
Species, we shall take one for a pattern, to" which all the 
others hear the strongest affinity. Words can but feebly 
describe the plumage of a bird; but it is the province of 
history to mark every animal’s pursuits and occupations. 
The green woodpecker is about the size of the jay: the 
throat, breast, and belly are of a pale greenish colour; 
and the back, neck, and covert feathers of the wings are 
green. But the tongue is its most distinguished charac- 
teristic, as it serves both for its support and defence. 
This is round, ending in a sharp bony tip, dentated on 
both sides, like the beard of an arrow, and capable of 
being thrust out three or four inches from the bill, and 
drawn in again at pleasure. 
Such is the instrument with which this bird is pro* 
vkled, and it is used in the following manner. — When a 
woodpecker, by its natural sagacity, finds a hollow or 
decayed tree, where there are worms, ants’ eggs, or in- 
sects, it immediately prepares for its operations. Resting 
by its strong claws, and leaning on the thick feathers of 
its tail, it begins to bore with its sharp strong beak, until 
it discloses the whole internal habitation. It then sends 
forth a loud cry, upon which the wdiole insect tribe are 
thrown into confusion, and run hither and thither seeking 
’ for safety; while the invader luxuriously feasts upon 
