HAIRY WOODPECKER. 
161 
’’f the mouth, flesh coloured ; tong-ue, pointed, beset 
J'ith barbs, and capable of being protruded more than 
inch and a half; the os hyoidcs, in this species, passes 
each side of the neck, ascends the skull, passes down 
'"Wards the nostril, and is wound round the bone of 
Ijie right eye, which projects considerably more than 
'"e left for its accommodation. The great mass of hairs 
^"at cover the nostril, appears to he designed a.s a pro- 
tection to the front of the head, n-hen the bird is engaged 
'a digging holes into the ivood. The membrane which 
encloses the brain in this, as in all the other species of 
J'Oodpeckers, is also of extraordinary strength, no doubt 
^ prevent any bad effects from violent concussion while 
bird is employed in digging for food. The female 
^■ants the red on the hind head ; and the white below 
1“. tinged with brownish. The manner of flight of these 
*ifds has been already described under a former .species, 
consisting of alternate risings and sinkings. The hairy 
"oodppckers generally utter a loud tremulous scream 
'''' they set olF, and when they alight. They are hard 
kill ; and, like the red-headed woodpecker, hang by 
{■'c claws, even of a single foot, as long as a spark of 
Uc remains, before they drop. 
I This species is common at Hudson’s Bay ; and has 
'ately been found in England. Dr Latham examined a 
f^ic which were shot near Halifax, in Yorkshire; and 
Comparing the male with one brought from North 
oiuerica, could perceive no difference, but in a slight 
Ijterruption of the red that marked the hind head ot 
,c former; a circumstance which I have frequently 
""Served in our own. The two females corresponded 
'"'actly. 
^OL. I. 
L 
6 
