NORTHERN THREE-TOED WOODPECKER. 71 
of four, of the middle tail-feathers are almost wholly black, the 
outer of the six having only two or three whitish spots on the 
outer web. The remaining parts, with due allowance, are similar 
to the adult. 
The young male gradually assumes the yellow, which is at first 
but little extended, and of a pale lemon colour, through which 
are yet for some time seen the white dots attributed to the 
female. She indeed has them very conspicuous in youth, as 
they are not confounded with any yellow, but loses them entirely 
as she advances to the adult state. 
