exceptional numbers have several times been taken. In one instance fourteen were found, and in another 
twelve young birds, but it is an open question whether these large sets are not the joint labor of two 
or more birds. The eggs are pure white and highly polished. They measure in long-diameter from .93 
to 1.19, and in short-diameter from .79 to .90. A common size is about .81x1.02. Two sets, of seven 
each, measure as follows: .86x1.17, .85x1.16, .85x 1.13, .85x1.01, .85x1.14, .84x1.15, .80x1.15, and 
.82 x .99, .80 x 1.02, .79 x .90, .82 x .99, .81 x 1.03, .83 x 1.04, .79 x 1.01. Another set of five measure, respect- 
ively, .85x1.09, .80x1.02, .86x1.06, .83x1.02, .88x1.02. 
DIFFERENTIAL POINTS : 
See Table. 
REMARKS : 
The three eggs illustrated, fig. 5, Plate LIY, show the extremes and average in size and shape of 
the eggs which I have collected of this species. The nest has not been figured, as it is but the counter- 
part of that of the Red-headed Woodpecker, so far as method of construction is concerned. 
The Yellow Hammer alights upon the ground much oftener than any of our Woodpeckers, and pro- 
cures much of its food from fallen logs, and from the ground in open fields. It is common to see it 
scratching and digging in a clover-field, or stubble, for ants and other insects. There is a great tempta- 
tion to the gunner to shoot them when they arc flushed from the open field, and many are thus wantonly 
killed. “Flicker pie” is a favorite dish with the colored people of this section, and consequently the 
name of “ Nigger Quail ” has been added to the bird’s many aliases. 
During the month of April the Yellow-Hammer is very conspicuous and noisy. It is at this season 
that the birds mate, and each male strives to be seen and heard b} r every thing in the vicinity. A small 
grove is a favorite place for these birds to congregate, and from here, on all pleasant spring days, their 
course, loud voices jar upon the ear. But as soon as mating occurs, they become shy and cautious in 
selecting a site for their nest, and can seldom be surprised at work excavating the cavity. All Woodpeckers 
are alike in this respect, and the elevation from which they observe the surrounding country gives them 
ample opportunity to hide, or leave the premises before they can themselves be seen. 
When found upon her eggs, the Yellow Hammer hastens to escape, and once out. of the hole, flies 
away to a safe distance. Occasionally a bird will show fight, but this is exceptional. 
The Yellow Hammer as well as the Red-head has a habit of boring holes about the cornice of country 
school-houses and barns. There is scarcely a school-house of any age in Pickaway county that has not 
a number of holes in its loft. Until recently, I have been at a loss to know the purpose of these holes. 
Last winter I found several Woodpeckers wintering in a school-house attic, and I am of the opinion 
that the holes are made for the purpose of obtaining winter quarters. Perhaps many of them Avere orig. 
inally made in search of food, the hollow sounding boards suggesting a cavity behind, or perhaps they 
were cut from pure mischievousness ; but whatever the original motive, it is a fact that some of these 
birds take shelter during the severe weather of winter in the warm garrets of country school-houses. 
Near Circleville, a pair of Yellow Hammers have for five years occupied a natural cavity in an oak- 
tree for their summer home, and in the fall and winter the same cavity is inhabited by gray squirrels. 
Just what agreement exists between the occupants can only he imagined, but I suspect the birds drive 
the squirrels out each spring. 
198 
