WOODPECKERS 
399 • White-headed Woodpecker. 
Xenopicus albolarvatus. 
Range. — Western United States from south- 
ern California to southern British Columbia. 
This odd species is wholly a dull black color, 
except for the white head and neck, and basal 
half of the primaries. They 
are quite abundant in some 
localities, particularly in 
California on mountain 
ranges. They nest at any 
v height, but the greater 
number have been found 
under twenty feet from the 
ground and in old pine 
White stubs. They lay from four 
to six glossy white eggs, 
measuring .95 x .70. They are said to be more 
silent than others of the Woodpecker family, 
and rarely make the familiar tapping and never 
drum. It is claimed that they get at their 
food by scaling bark off the trees, instead of 
by boring. 
400. Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker. Picoides arcticus. 
As implied by their name, members of this genus have 
but three toes, two in front and one behind. The plumage 
of this species is entirely black above, and whitish below, 
with the flanks barred with blackish. The male has a 
yellow patch on the crown. They breed abundantly in 
coniferous forests in mountainous regions throughout their 
range, laying their eggs in cavities in decayed stumps and 
trees, apparently at any height, from five feet up. The 
eggs are laid in May or June. Size .95 x.70. White 
Three-toed Woodpecker 
Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker 
401. Three-toed Woodpecker. Picoides americanus americanus. 
Range. — Northern parts of the United States north to the Arctic regions. 
Range. — From northern United States northward. 
The chief difference between this species and the last is in the white on the 
back, either as a patch or in the form of broken bars. The nesting habits are 
just the same and the eggs cannot be distinguished from those of the preceding. 
Both forms are found breeding in the same localities in the Adirondacks and in 
nearly all other portions of their range. 
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