120 
BRITISH BIRDS. 
LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER. 
HICKWALL. 
( Ficus Minor , Lin . — he petit Epeiche t Buff.) 
This is the fmalleft of our fpecies, being only- 
five inches and a half in length ; weight nearly one 
ounce : Its general plumage is very fimilar to the 
larger fpecies, but wants the red under the tail, and 
the large white patches on the flioulders ; the un- 
der parts of the body are of a dirty white ; the legs 
lead colour. Buffon fays, that in winter it draws 
near houfes and vineyards, that it neftles like the 
former in holes of trees, and fometimes difputes 
poffeffion with the colemoufe, which it compels to 
give up its lodging. 
