REDHEADED WOODPECKER. 
406. Melanerpes erythrocephalus. 9 Vs inches. 
In flight, this is one of the most conspicuous of the wood¬ 
peckers. It has a bright red head, neck and breast, glossy 
blue-black on the back and tail, white rump, under parts and 
secondaries. It is more abundant in the east and middle 
United States, but occurs fairly common in Arizona and 
Texas to Colorado. It nests in any kind of trees, telegraph 
poles or will even drill a hole under the eaves of the barn or 
house in some localities. They are the most pugnacious of the 
woodpeckers, and often are seen chasing one another or.driving 
away some other bird. They feed also upon ants, larvae of in¬ 
sects, and small fruits and berries. 
They lay from four to eight pure white eggs (1.00 x.75). 
CALIFORNIA WOODPECKER. 
407a. Melanerpes formicivorus bairdi. 9% inches. . 
A common and attractive woodpecker throughout California 
and Oregon. With its red cap and white forehead, and back 
or upper parts black tinged with green, a solid black band 
across the breast, white under parts and rump, and, above all, 
their continual talking among themselves. Nest, eggs, food, 
same as above, with the addition to its diet of acorns in great 
numbers. 
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