HAIRY WOODPECKER. 
161 
of the mouth, flesh coloured ; tongue, pointed, beset 
with barbs, and capable of being protruded more than 
an inch and a half ; the os hy bides, in this species, passes 
on each side of the neck, ascends the skull, passes down 
towards the nostril, and is wound round the bone of 
the right eye, which projects considerably more than 
the left for its accommodation. The great mass of hairs 
that cover the nostril, appears to be designed as a pro- 
tection to the front of the head, when the bird is engaged 
in digging holes into the wood. The membrane which 
encloses the brain in this, as in all the other species of 
woodpeckers, is also of extraordinary strength, no doubt 
to prevent any bad effects from violent concussion while 
the bird is employed in digging for food. The female 
wants the red on the hind head ; and the white below 
is tinged with brownish. The manner of flight of these 
birds has been already described under a former species, 
as consisting of alternate risings and sinkings. The hairy 
woodpeckers generally utter a loud tremulous scream 
as they set off, and when they alight. They are hard 
to kill ; and, like the red-headed woodpecker, hang by 
the claws, even of a single foot, as long as a spark of 
life remains, before they drop. 
This species is common at Hudson’s Bay; and has 
lately been found in England. Dr Latham examined a 
pair which were shot near Halifax, in Yorkshire ; and 
on comparing the male with one brought from North 
America, could perceive no difference, but in a slight 
interruption of the red that marked the hind head of 
the former ; a circumstance which I have frequently 
observed in our own. The two females corresponded 
exactly. 
VOL. i. 
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