IDYLLS OF BIRD LIFE 
for hidden worms and larvae, it seems as if the hairy wood¬ 
pecker depends upon the sense of hearing to detect his prey. 
A ‘‘tap, tap, tap/’ is followed by a pause, as if he is trying to de¬ 
tect the escape of some hidden insect, and he is very persistent 
in his efforts. This bird is very independent, and is rarely seen 
in the company of any of his neighbors, although, at times, he 
may join a group of chickadees, kinglets, nuthatches and 
creepers. 
The hairy woodpecker is a drummer, not a singer, but his 
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steady “tap, tap,” upon some resonant bough is a pleasing sound 
as one enters and wanders through the wood on a dismal 
Winter’s dav. 
The downy woodpecker is another of our Winter residents 
He is similar in color and shape to his relative, the hairy wood¬ 
pecker, but not quite as large. He is about the size of the Eng¬ 
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lish sparrow, black above, and striped with white. The tail is 
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wedge-shaped, and the tail feathers are white, barred with white. 
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A black stripe appears on the top of the head and a distinct 
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white band over the eyes, with a red patch on the side of the 
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neck. The wings have numerous bands crossing them with 
white underneath. 
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