AVOODPECKEES. 
9 
It is thus that the "Woodpecker is fitted to perform 
his peculiar functions in the economy of nature ; it is 
thus that he is enabled to seize those insects that lie 
beneath the bark of a tree, to quarry out those that 
are AA'itliin the solid wood, and even to dig a mine 
there large enough for its own nidification. 
The Picidw, or Woodpeckers, with the exception of 
the Parrots, form the most extensive group among the 
Scansores. They are distributed over most parts of 
the world ; America, however, produces the greatest 
number. Her vast and solitary forests affording at 
once a secluded retreat and ample food for their 
sustenance. 
All the species are solitary, living in pairs onl}^ 
during the season of incubation, or are met with in 
small flocks, the amount of the year’s brood, in the 
end of autumn, before they have separated. ^ This 
solitary habit, and their haunts being generally gloomy 
and retired, has given rise to the opinion entertained 
by many, that the life of the "Woodpecker is hard and 
laborious, dragged on in the same unvaried tract for 
one purpose — the supply of food. It has been painted 
in varied and imaginary colouring, and its existence 
has been described to be painful and burdensome in 
the extreme ; its cries have been converted into com- 
plaints, and its search for food into exertions of no 
use. The cry of the AYoodpecker is wild, and, no 
doubt, the incessant hewing of holes without an ade- 
quate object Avould be sufficiently miserable : these, 
however, are the pleasures of the bird. The know- 
ledge to search after food is given it, and organs most 
admirably formed to prevent exhaustion and ensure 
