THE SAPSUCKER. 
247 
esting, being new to Science.” In compliance, I shot a spec¬ 
imen while he was engaged in breakfasting on a Silver-leafed 
Poplar; I also chipped out that portion of the tree on which 
he was operating at the time. In answer, Prof. Leida stated 
that his dissections confirmed my statements in every 
particular. 
I have described the migration as occurring at Racine, which 
will answer equally well for most localities in the North-west, 
with the exception of numbers, for it is an interesting fact 
that for physical reasons elsewhere explained, birds are met in 
greater variety, and in larger numbers, during their migrations, 
at this point than in any other place, perhaps, in North Amer¬ 
ica. A statement amply proved by the large number of species 
in my cabinet, collected within ten miles of Racine. 
Downy Woodpecker — (Picus pubescens.) 
This second species is in rather bad repute for its sapsucking 
propensity. It is more commonly called the Little Sapmcker , 
in contradistinction to the Hairy Woodpecker ( Picus villosus ), 
which it closely resembles in everything except size; even the 
same plicJc , plicJc , plip , is repeated, only in a more feeble voice. 
The Downy Woodpecker is only 6J inches in length, and 12 
inches in expanse of wings. Color, black and white, spotted 
and streaked; the male has a small red spot on the back of 
the head: female similar, without the red. 
This little hardy species, together with the larger Hairy 
Woodpecker, remain with us during the entire year. 
r Ihe habits of this industrious, cheerful bird, have been 
severely commented upon by many; but I am of the opinion 
it has been made, unjustly, to answer for the sins of the Yel¬ 
low-bellied species. That the Downy Woodpecker does, during 
early spring, tap the maple for the purpose of slaking its 
thirst, I have had occular demonstration; and that it makes 
many small punctures in certain sweet apple-trees, for which 
it pays rather frequent visits to the orchard, I have but little 
doubt; yet I do hioiv that I have shot and dissected very 
