Chapter 49

Sp. Char.A miniature ofP. villosus. Above black, with a white band down the back. Two white stripes on the side of the head; the lower of opposite sides always separated behind, the upper sometimes confluent on the nape. Two stripes of black on the side of the head, the lower not running into the forehead. Beneath white; all the middle and greater coverts and all the quills with white spots, the larger coverts with two series each; tertiaries or inner secondaries all banded with white. Two outer tail-feathers white, with two bands of black at end; third white at tip and externally, crissum sometimes spotted with black. Length, about 6.25; wing, 3.75.Malewith red, terminating the white feathers on the nape.Youngwith whole top of head red.Hab.Eastern United States, towards the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains, into British Columbia and the Humboldt Mountains, and north to the limits of the woods; along whole Yukon River; perhaps to the Pacific, north of the 49th parallel; Kodiak. Localities: San Antonio, Texas (Dresser, Ibis, 1865, 468). Accidental in England.The remarks already made on the variation ofPicus villosusapply equally well here; all the differences in size and markings with locality being almost exactly reproduced. The western variety,P. gairdneri, is equally uncertain in characters asP. harrisi, and as little entitled to specific distinction. As in the previous instance, we shall call typicalpubescensthose specimens in which all the middle and greater coverts and all the quills including the innermost secondaries are spotted with white, while those in which any of these feathers, whether all the coverts, as in Oregon birds, or only a few of them, are unspotted, may be calledvar.gairdneri.Of typicalpubescensin the Eastern States there are minor variations, but not of much account. Thus the forehead itself, apart from the white nasal tufts, is sometimes white, connecting with the white superciliary stripe; more frequently, however, the whole forehead is black. Northern specimens are larger and have larger white spots, and not unfrequently the black cheek-stripe is invaded anteriorly by white, which, however, is appreciable at the base of the feathers. The black bars on the tail are much restricted in specimens from the Yukon. Southern specimens are smaller and darker, with smaller spots on the wings.In all the changes of the two species, there is no difficulty in distinguishingP. pubescensfromP. villosusby the black bars on outer tail-feathers of the former, and their absence in the latter. The crissum ofpubescensis sometimes somewhat spotted with blackish. The white markings on the coverts are larger in proportion, and there are almost always two series of white spots on the greater coverts, as in northern varieties ofvillosus, not one, as in most of those from the Middle States.Habits.This species, like the Hairy Woodpecker, is a resident rather than a migratory species, and breeds wherever it is met with. It also seems to have very nearly the same geographical distribution with that species. Dr. Woodhouse found it common throughout the Indian Territory, Texas, and New Mexico. It does not, however, appear to have been collected by any of the parties engaged in the Pacific Railroad surveys, nor by that upon the survey of the Mexican boundary. Of seventeen specimens given byProfessor Baird in 1858 as in the collections of the Smithsonian Institution, six are from Pennsylvania, two from Massachusetts, two from Missouri, one from Bonhomme Island in Nebraska, and the rest from Fort Leavenworth, Salt Creek, Fort Riley, and Platte River in Kansas. It is quite common throughout the coast region of Alaska, exclusive of the Aleutians, and throughout the entire valley of the Yukon. Wilson makes no mention of its geographical distribution, probably because he found it everywhere common, to the extent of his own investigations. Audubon speaks of it as very generally distributed from the lower parts of Louisiana to Labrador, and as far westward as he travelled.Sir John Richardson states that this species is a constant inhabitant of the fur countries up to the 58th parallel. It seeks its food principally on the maple, elm, and ash, and, north of latitude 54°, where these trees are not found, on the aspen and birch.According to Wilson, these birds select a suitable place for the excavation of their nest, about the middle of May. An apple, pear, or cherry tree, often in the near neighborhood of a farm-house, is generally fixed upon for this purpose. The work of excavation is begun by the male, who cuts a hole in the solid wood as circular as if described with a pair of compasses. He is occasionally relieved by the female, both parties working with the most indefatigable diligence. The direction of the hole, when made in the body of the tree, is downward by an angle of forty degrees for the distance of six or eight inches, and then directly downward for ten or twelve more. Within, the excavation is roomy, capacious, and as smooth as if polished by the hand of the most finished workman. The entrance is, however, left only just large enough to admit the bodies of the birds. During their labor they even take the pains to carry their chips to a distance, to prevent suspicion. This operation sometimes occupies the chief part of a week. The eggs are generally six in number, pure white, and laid on the smooth bottom of the cavity. The male supplies the female with food while she is sitting. The young generally leave the nest about the last of June.The same writer also gives an interesting account of the impudent coolness of the House Wren, who, coveting the well-built home of this Woodpecker, and unable to excavate such an apartment for itself, waits until the poor Woodpeckers have completed their work, and then attacks them with violence and drives them off from the nest they have been at so much pains to prepare. He states that he saw a striking example of this, where the Woodpeckers, after commencing in a cherry-tree, within a few yards of the house, and having made considerable progress, were turned out by the Wren. They began again on a pear-tree in the garden, a few yards off, when, after digging out a most complete apartment, and laying one egg, they were once more assaulted by the same impertinent intruder, and finally forced to abandon the place.Mr. Audubon gives substantially the same account of their nesting, only he assigns an earlier period, the middle of April, for its commencement, anddescribes the entrance to the excavation as often being at right angles to the trunk for a few inches before it descends. He states that in the Southern and Middle States two broods are raised in a season, farther north seldom more than one.Mr. C. S. Paine, of Randolph,Vt., speaks of this Woodpecker as being one of the most common and familiar, in Vermont, of the family. They are to be met with in his neighborhood at all seasons of the year, though he is of the opinion that many of them go south to spend the winter. They deposit their eggs about the first of June in the very snug little excavations they prepare. The male bird will sometimes prepare a separate apartment for himself, apart from his mate. Mr. Paine has taken the male in such a hole by himself, and without any nest or eggs, evidently only prepared for shelter.This Woodpecker has a single note or cry, sounding likechink, which it frequently repeats. When it flies, and often when it alights, this cry is more shrill and prolonged. They are very industrious, and are constantly employed in search of insects, chiefly in orchards and the more open groves. The orchard is its favorite resort, and it is particularly fond of boring the bark of apple-trees for insects. This fact, and the erroneous impression that it taps the trees for the sap, has given to these birds the common name of Sapsuckers, and has caused an unjust prejudice against them. So far from doing any injury to the trees, they are of great and unmixed benefit. Wilson, who was at great pains to investigate the matter, declares that he invariably found that those trees that were thus marked by the Woodpecker were uniformly the most thriving and the most productive. “Here, then,” adds Wilson, “is a whole species—I may say genus—of birds, which Providence seems to have formed for the protection of our fruit and forest trees from the ravages of vermin, which every day destroy millions of those noxious insects that would otherwise blast the hopes of the husbandman, and even promote the fertility of the tree, and in return are proscribed by those who ought to have been their protectors.”The egg of this species is nearly spherical, pure white, and measures .83 by .72 of an inch.Picus pubescens,var.gairdneri,Aud.GAIRDNER’S WOODPECKER.Picus gairdneri,Aud.Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 317.—Ib.Syn.1839, 180.—Ib.Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 252 (not figured).—Baird,Birds N. Am.1858, 91,pl. lxxxv, f.2, 3.—Sundevall,Consp.1866, 17.—Gray,Cat.1868, 44.—Cooper & Suckley, 159.—Sclater,Catal.1862, 334.—Malh.Monog. Picidæ, I, 123.—Cass.P. A. N. S.1863, 201.—Cooper,Orn. Cal.1, 1870, 377.—Lord,Pr. R. Art. Inst.IV, 1864, 111.Picus meridionalis,Nutt.Man. I, (2d ed.,) 1840, 690 (not ofSwainson).—Gambel,J. A. N. Sc. I, 1847, 55, 105.Picus turati,Malherbe,Mon. Pic. I, 125,tab.29 (small race, 5.50, from Monterey,Cal., nearestpubescens).Dryobates turati,Cab. & Hein.Mus. Hein. IV, 2, 1863, 65.Dryobates homorus,Cab. & Hein.Mus. Hein. IV, 2, 1863, 65 (larger, more spotted style).Sp. Char.Similar topubescensin size and markings, but with less white on the wings. Varies from entire absence of exposed white spots on the middle and greater wing-coverts and innermost secondaries, with small spots on the quills, to spots on most of their feathers, but absent on some, and the spots generally larger.Hab.Pacific coast of United States to Rocky Mountains. Darkest and with least white in Western Oregon and Washington.In the preceding article we have given the comparative characters of this form, which we can only consider as a variety, and not very permanent or strongly marked at that.As inpubescens, this race varies much in the color of the under parts, which are sometimes pure white, sometimes smoky-brown. It is suggested that this is partly due to a soiling derived from inhabiting charred trees. It is, at any rate, of no specific value.Habits.Gairdner’s Woodpecker is the western representative and counterpart of the Downy Woodpecker of the east, resembling it in size and general habits, and only differing from it in certain exceptional characteristics already mentioned. It is found throughout western North America, probably from Mexico to the British Possessions, and from the eastern base of the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific.Dr. Cooper met with it in California, chiefly in the northern parts of the State, but did not observe any south of the Santa Clara Valley. Dr. Coues saw none in Arizona, or possibly a single specimen not positively ascertained.Dr. Cooper found one of its nests near Santa Clara, on the 24th of May, containing young. It had been burrowed in a small and partly rotten tree, and was about five feet from the ground. From the fact that they were found breeding so far south he infers that among the mountains they probably occur much farther to the south, as do most other northern birds. He found them frequenting chiefly the smaller trees in the vicinity of the evergreen woods, where they were to be seen at all seasons industriously tapping the bark to obtain insects.Dr. Newberry mentions finding them very common in Oregon, and also in Northern California. In Washington Territory, Dr. Suckley found them extremely common on the Lower Columbia, especially among the willow-trees lining its banks. They were resident throughout the winter, and in these situations were very abundant. In January, 1856, he found them so abundant among the willows growing on the islands in the delta of the Willamette, that he readily obtained eight specimens in the space of an hour. At that season they were very unwary, giving little heed to the presence of man, not even allowing the near discharge of a gun to interfere with their busy search for food.Dr. Heermann speaks of it as neither common nor especially rare. He obtained several specimens among the mountains of Northern California.Mr. Lord met with these Woodpeckers abundantly in the NorthwesternBoundary Survey. They differed slightly in their habits from theP. harrisi, generally hunting for insects on the maples, alders, and stunted oaks, rather than on the pine-trees. Specimens were taken on Vancouver Island, Sumass Prairie, Colville, and the west slope of the Rocky Mountains at an altitude of seven thousand feet above the sea-level.Mr. Ridgway found this Woodpecker to be unaccountably rare in the Sierra Nevada and all portions of the Great Basin, as well as in the Wahsatch and Uintah Mountains, even in places where theP. harrisiwas at all times abundant. Indeed, he only met with it on two or three occasions, in the fall: first in the Upper Humboldt Valley, in September, where it was rare in the thickets along the streams; and again in the Wahsatch Mountains, where but a single brood of young was met with in August.An egg of this species from Oregon, obtained by Mr. Ricksecker, is larger than that of thepubescens, but similar in shape, being very nearly spherical. It measures .96 of an inch in length by .85 in breadth.SubgenusDYCTIOPICUS,Bonap.Dyctiopicus,Bonap.Ateneo Ital.1854, 8. (Type,Picus scalaris,Wagler.)Dyctiopipo,Cabanis &Hein.Mus. Hein. IV, 2, 1863, 74. (Same type.)Char.Small species, banded above transversely with black or brown and white.Of this group there are two sections,—one with the central tail-feathers entirely black, from Mexico and the United States (three species); the other with their feathers like the lateral black, banded or spotted with white (three species from southern South America). The northern section is characterized as follows:—Common Characters.All the larger coverts and quills with white spots becoming transverse bands on innermost secondaries. Cheeks black with a supra-orbital and a malar stripe of white. Back banded alternately with black and white, but not on upper tail-coverts, nor four central tail-feathers. Beneath whitish, sides with elongated black spots; flanks and crissum transversely barred. Tail-feathers, except as mentioned, with spots ortransverse bars of black. Head of male with red patch above (restricted innuttalli), each feather with a white spot below the red.Femalewithout red.The characters of the speciesscalaris, with its varieties, andnuttalli, will be found underPicus.Picus scalaris,Wagler.LADDER-BACKED WOODPECKER.Picus scalaris,Wagler, Isis, 1829,V, 511 (Mexico).—Bonap.Consp.1850, 138.—Scl.P. Z. S.1856, 307.—Sund.Consp.18.—Baird,Birds N. Am.1858, 94,pl. xli, f.1.—Ib.Rep. Mex. Bound. II, 4,pl. iii.—Scl.Cat.1862, 333.—Cass.P. A. N. S.1863, 195.—Gray,Cat.1868, 48.—Heerm.X,c,p.18.—Cooper,Orn. Cal.1, 1870, 379.Picus (Dyctiopicus) scalaris,Bon.Consp. Zygod. Aten. Ital.1854, 8.Dyctiopipo scalaris,Cab. & Hein.Mus.74.Picus gracilis,Less.Rev. Zoöl.1839, 90 (Mexico).Picus parvus,Cabot, BostonJour. N. H. V, 1845, 90 (Sisal, Yucatan).Picus orizabæ,Cassin,Pr. A. N. S.1863, 196 (Orizaba).Picus bogotus,Cassin,Pr. A. N. S.1863, 196;Jour. A. N. S. V, 1863, 460,pl. lii, f.1 (Mex.).Picus bairdi(Scl.MSS.),Malherbe,Mon. Pic. I, 118,t. xxvii, f.7, 8.—Scl.Cat.333, (?)P. Z. S.64, 177 (city ofMex.).—Cab. & Hein.Mus. Hein. IV, 2, 76.—Cassin,Pr. A. N. S.1863, 196.—Coues,Pr. A. N. S.1866, 52 (perhapsvar.graysoni).—Dresser, Ibis, 1865, 468.Hab.Texas and New Mexico, to Arizona; south through Eastern Mexico to Yucatan.Picus scalaris,var.graysoni,Baird,MSS.Hab.Western Arizona; Western Mexico and Tres Marias.Sp. Char.Back banded transversely with black and white from nape to rump (not upper tail-coverts). Quills and coverts with spots of white; forming bands on the secondaries. Two white stripes on sides of head. Top of head red, spotted with white. Nasal tufts brown. Beneath brownish-white, with black spots on sides, becoming bands behind. Outer tail-feathers more or less banded. Length, about 6.50; wing, 3.50 to 4.50; tail, about 2.50.Hab.Guatemala, Mexico, and adjacent southern parts of United States. Localities: Xalapa (Scl.P. Z. S.1859, 367); Cordova (Scl.1856, 357); Guatemala (Scl.Ibis,I, 136); Orizaba (Scl.Cat.333);S. E.Texas (Dresser, Ibis, 1865, 468, breeds);W.Arizona (Coues,P. A. N. S.1866, 52); Yucatan (Lawr.Ann. N. Y. Lyc. IX, 205).In the above diagnosis we have endeavored to express the average of characters belonging to a Woodpecker to which many names, based on trifling geographical variations, have been assigned, but which legitimately can be only considered as one species. This is among the smallest of the North American Woodpeckers, and in all its variations the wings are long, reaching as far as the short feathers of the tail. The upper parts generally are black, on the back, rump, and exposed feathers of the wings banded transversely with white, the black bands rather the narrower; the quills and larger coverts spotted with the same on both webs, becoming bands on the innermost secondaries. The upper tail-coverts and two inner tail-feathers on either side are black. The white bands of the back extend all the way up to the neck, without any interscapular interruption. The under parts are of a pale smoky brownish-white, almost with a lilac tinge; on the sides of the breast and belly are a few scattered small but elongated spots. The posterior parts of the sides under the wing and the under tail-coverts are obscurely banded transversely with black. The top of the head, extending from a narrow sooty frontlet at the base of the bill to a short, broad nuchal crest, is crimson in the male, each feather with a white spot between thecrimson and the dark brown base of the feathers. The brown nasal tuft is scarcely different from the feathers of the forehead.In a large series of specimens of this species, from a wide area of distribution, considerable differences are appreciable in size, but fewer in coloration than might be expected. Yucatan birds are the least (Picus parvus, Cabot;vagatus, Cassin), the wing measuring 3.30 inches. Those from Southern Mexico are but little larger (wing, 3.60). In Northern Mexico the wing is nearly 4 inches; in New Mexico it is 4.30. The markings vary but little. The black and white bands on the back are about of equal width, but sometimes one, sometimes the other, appears the larger; the more eastern have, perhaps, the most white. The pattern on the tail is quite constant. Thus, assuming the three outer feathers to be white, banded with black, the outermost may be said to have seven transverse bars of black, of which the terminal four (sometimes five) are distinct and perfect, the basal three (or two) confluent into one on the inner web (the extreme base of the feather white). The next feather has, perhaps, the same number of dark bands, but here only two (sometimes three) are continuous and complete; the innermost united together, the outer showing as scallops. The third feather has no continuous bands (or only one), all the inner portions being fused; the outer mere scallops, sometimes an oblique edging; generally, however, the interspaces of the dark bands are more or less distinctly traceable through their dusky suffusion, especially on the inner web of the outer feather. The number of free bands thus varies slightly, but the general pattern is the same. This condition prevails in nearly all the specimens before us from Yucatan and Mexico (in only one specimen from Arizona, and one or two from Texas), and is probably the typicalscalarisof Wagler.In specimens from the Rio Grande and across to Arizona the seven bands of the outer feather are frequently continuous and complete on both webs to the base, a slight suffusion only indicating the tendency to union in the inner web. The other feathers are much as described, except that the white interspaces of the black scallops penetrate deeper towards the shaft. This is perhaps the race to which the name ofP. bairdihas been applied. We do not find, however, any decided reduction in the amount of red on the anterior portion of the head, as stated for this species (perhaps it is less continuous towards the front), except in immature birds; young females possibly losing the immature red of the crown, as with typicalscalaris.A third type of tail-marking is seen in specimens from the Pacific coast, and from the Tres Marias especially; also in some skins from Southwestern Arizona. Here the extreme forehead is black, with white spots; the red of the crown not so continuous anteriorly even as in the last-mentioned race. The general pattern of tail is as described, and the bars on the inner webs are also confluent towards the base, but we have only two or three transverse bars at the end of the outer feathers; the rest of outer web entirely white, this color also invading the inner. The second feather is similarlymarked, sometimes with only one spot on outer web; the third has the black scallops restricted. This may be calledvar.graysoni, as most specimens in the Smithsonian collection were furnished by Colonel Grayson. The size is equal to the largest typicalscalaris.We next come to the CapeSt.Lucas bird, described by Mr. Xantus asP. lucasanus. Here the bill and feet become disproportionally larger and more robust than in any described; the black bands of the back larger than the white, perhaps fewer in number. The continuous red of the head also appears restricted to a stripe above and behind the eye and on the occiput, although there are some scattered feathers as far forward as above the eyes. The specimens are, however, not in very good plumage, and this marking cannot be very well defined; the red may really be as continuous forward as in the last variety. The nasal tufts are brown, as in the typicalscalaris. The outer three tail-feathers in most specimens show still more white, with one or two indistinct terminal bands only on the outer two; one or two additional spots, especially on inner web, and the sub-basal patch of inner web greatly reduced. Specimens vary here in this respect, as in other races ofscalaris, but the average is as described.Notwithstanding the decided difference between typicalscalarisandlucasanus, the discovery of the varietygraysonimakes it possible to consider both as extremes of one species. Tonuttalli, however, it is but one step farther; a restriction of the red to the posterior half of the top of head, the white instead of brown nasal feathers, and the whiter under parts being the only positive characters. The markings of the tail are almost identical with those oflucasanus. The anterior portion of the back is, however, not banded, as in the several varieties described. For this reason it may therefore be questioned whether, iflucasanusandscalarisare one,nuttallishould not belong to the same series.We thus find that the amount of black on the tail is greatest in Southern and Southeastern Mexican specimens, and farther north it begins to diminish; in Western Mexico it is still more reduced, while at CapeSt.Lucas the white is as great in amount as in the Upper CalifornianP. nuttalli.The characters given above for the different varieties or races ofPicus scalaris, as far as they relate to the tail, may be expressed in the following table, illustrated by the accompanying diagram, showing the markings of outer tail-feather inscalarisandnuttalli.Outer tail-feathers with seven distinct transverse black bands.These bands confluent on inner web near the base …var.scalaris.Bands distinct on inner web …var.bairdi.Bands on outer tail-feather distinct on outer webs at end only, obsolete or wanting towards base (as innuttalli).Tarsus, .68. Bill and legs as in average …var.graysoni.Tarsus, .78. Bill and legs very stout …var.lucasanus.Tail-feather picus scalarisTail-feather picus nuttalliOutermost tail-feather ofPicus scalaris.6105Outermost tail-feather ofPicus nuttalli.4482Habits.This species belongs to our southern and southwestern fauna, entering our borders from Mexico, occurring from the valley of the Rio Grande to Southeastern California, and the slopes of the Rocky Mountains south of the 35th parallel. It is found throughout Mexico to Yucatan and Guatemala.Dr. Samuel Cabot obtained a single specimen of this bird at Yucatan, which he described under the name ofP. parvus, in the Boston Journal of Natural History,V, p.92. It was procured early in December, 1841, in the neighborhood of Ticul, Yucatan. Dr. Kennerly considered it a not uncommon species in the vicinity of Boca Grande; especially wherever there were large trees. The same naturalist, in his Report on the birds of Lieutenant Whipple’s expedition, states that he very often saw this bird near San Antonio, Texas, as well as during the march several hundred miles west of that place, but that, after leaving the Rio Grande, he did not meet with it until he reached the head-waters of Bill Williams Fork. From thence to the Great Colorado River he saw it frequently, wherever there was any timber; but it was very shy, alighting on the tops of the leafless cotton-wood trees, and keeping a vigilant lookout.Dr. Heermann, in his Report on the birds of Lieutenant J. G. Parke’s expedition, states that he observed this Woodpecker in the southernmost portion of California, and found it more and more abundant as he advanced towards Texas, where it was quite common. The same naturalist, in his Report on the birds of Lieutenant Williamson’s expedition, remarks that he procured this bird first at Vallicita, but found it abounding in the woods about Fort Yuma. He considered the species as new to the California fauna, though frequently seen in Texas, several of the expeditions having collected it.Dr. Woodhouse, in his Report on the birds of Sitgreaves’s expedition to the Zuñi and the Colorado speaks of finding this beautiful little Woodpecker abundant in Texas, east of the Pecos River. During his stay in San Antonio and its vicinity, he became quite familiar with it. It was to be seen, at all times, flying from tree to tree, and lighting on the trunk of the mesquites (Algarobia), closely searching for its insect-food. In its habits and notes, he states, it much resembles the common Hairy Woodpecker. Dr. Woodhouse elsewhere remarks that he did not meet with this bird west of the Rio San Pedro, in Texas. In regard to its breeding-habits, so far as I am aware, they are inferred rather than known. It is quite probable they are not unlike those of thePicus pubescens, which it so closely resembles. The eggs in the collection of the Smithsonian were obtained with the collectionsof the late Dr. Berlandier of Matamoras, in the province of Tamaulipas, Mexico.Dr. Cooper states that this Woodpecker is abundant in the Colorado Valley, and that they are sometimes seen on the bushes covering the neighboring mountains. In habits he regards them the exact counterpart ofP. nuttalli, to which they are allied.Mr. Dresser found them resident and very common throughout all Texas and Northeastern Mexico. It breeds abundantly about San Antonio, boring into any tree it finds most suitable for its purposes.Dr. Coues regards Fort Whipple as about the northern limit of this species in Arizona. It is not very common, is only a summer resident, and breeds sparingly there. Farther south, throughout the Territory, and in the Colorado Valley, he found it abundant. It does not cross the Colorado Desert into California, and is there replaced byP. nuttalli. It extends south into Central America. A bird shot by Dr. Coues, June 5, appeared to be incubating; young birds were taken just fledged July 10. The nest was in the top of a live-oak tree. Malherbe, who speaks of this Woodpecker as exclusively Mexican, states that he has been informed that it is abundant in that country, where it may be seen at all times, climbing over the trunks and branches of trees. It is said to be very familiar and unwary, living commonly in gardens and orchards through the greater part of the year, and many of them nesting there, though in regard to their manner of nesting he has no information.The egg of this Woodpecker in shape is most similar to theP. villosus, being of an oblong-oval. It is larger than thepubescens, and not of so clear a white color. It measures exactly one inch in length by .75 of an inch in breadth.Picus scalaris,var.lucasanus,Xantus.THE CAPE WOODPECKER.Picus lucasanus,Xantus,Pr. A. N. S.1859, 298, 302.—Malherbe,Mon. Picidæ, I, 166.—Cassin,Pr. A. N. S.1863, 195.—Cooper,Orn. Cal.1, 1870, 381.Sp. Char.General appearance that ofPicus nuttalliandscalaris. Bill stout, as long as or longer than the head. Above black, banded transversely with white on the back and scapulars to the nape, the white narrower band, the rump and inner tail-feathers entirely black; quills with a row of white spots on each web; the outer square, the inner rounded, these spots on the tertials becoming transversely quadrangular. Beneath brownish-white, with rounded black spots on the sides of the breast, passing behind on the flanks and under tail-coverts into transverse bars. Greater inner wing-coverts transversely barred. Outer two tail-feathers white, with one, sometimes two terminal bars, next to which are one or two bars on the inner web only; third feather black, the outer web mostly white, with traces of a terminal black bar; sometimes there is a greater predominance of black on the inner web. Two white stripes on side of head, one starting above, the other below the eye, with a tendency to meet behind and form a whitishcollar on the nape. Male with the entire top of the head streaked with red, becoming more conspicuous behind; each red streak with a white spot at base. Feathers covering the nostrils smoky-brown. Length, 7.15; extent, 12.15; wing, 4.00; bill above, 1.00; middle toe and claw, .80; tarsus, .76.Hab.CapeSt.Lucas.Of the distinctness of this bird as a species fromP. nuttalliandscalarisI had at one time no doubt; but the discovery that the otherwise typicalscalarisfrom Mazatlan and Western Mexico generally have the same markings on the tail has induced me to consider it as a kind of connecting link. I have, however, thought it best to give a detailed description for comparison. Of about the same size withnuttalli, the bill and feet are much larger. The legs, indeed, are nearly, if not quite, as large as those of maleP. villosusfrom Pennsylvania; the bill, however, is somewhat less. The relations toP. scalarisare seen in the dorsal bands extending to the nape, the smoky-brown feathers of the nostrils, the red on the whole top of head (scattering anteriorly), the brownish shade beneath, the width of the white cheek-bands, etc. On the other hand, it has the black bands of the back rather wider than the white, as innuttalli, and the white outer tail-feathers even less banded with black. The two outer are entirely white, with one terminal black bar; one or two spots on the outer web; and two or three bands on the inner, with a sub-basal patch on the inner web, even smaller than innuttalli. It is rarely that even two continuous transverse bands can be seen to cross both webs of the tail. The bill and feet are much larger.The following measurements taken from the largest specimens before us ofDyctiopicus, and one ofP. villosus, will illustrate what has been said of the size of bill and feet ofP. lucasanus.P. villosus.P. lucasanus.P. nuttalli.P. scalaris.884♂♂12939♂4482♂6105Bill from forehead,1.261.10.90.99Tarsus,.76.76.70.68Middle toe and claw,.87.84.75.65Claw alone,.39.34.32.31Outer hind toe and claw,.95.84.79.80Claw alone,.40.32.31.31Habits.Nothing distinctive is known of the habits of this race.Picus nuttalli,Gambel.NUTTALL’S WOODPECKER.Picus nuttalli,Gambel,Pr. A. N. Sc. I, April, 1843, 259 (Los Angeles,Cal.).—Baird,Birds N. Am.1858, 93.—Sundevall,Consp. Pic.19.—Malh.Mon. Pic. I, 100.—Cassin,P. A. N. S.1863, 195.—Gray,Cat.1868, 50.—Cooper,Orn. Cal.1, 1870, 378.Picus scalaris, (Wagler)Gambel,J. A. N. Sc. Ph.2d ser. I, Dec.1847, 55,pl. ix, f.2, 3 (not ofWagler).Picus wilsoni,Malherbe,Rev. Zoöl.1849, 529.—Bonap.Consp.1850, 138.Picus (Trichopicus) wilsoni,Bonap.Consp. Zyg. Aten. Ital.1854, 8.Sp. Char.Back black, banded transversely with white, but not on upper tail-coverts, nor as far forward as the neck. Greater and middle coverts and quills with spots or bands of white. Crown black, with white spots, sometimes wanting. On the nape a patch of white, behind this unbanded black. Occiput and nape crimson in the male. Tufts of feathers at the base of the bill white. Sides of the head black, with two white stripes, one above the eye and passing down on the side of the neck, the other below and cut off behind by black. Under parts smoky yellowish-white, spotted on the sides of the breast, and banded on flank and crissum with black. Predominant character of the outer tail-feather white, with two or three interrupted bands towards end; none at base. Length, about 7.00; wing, 4.50.Femalewith the top of the head uniform black, or sometimes spotted with white.Hab.Coast region of California.Third, fourth, and fifth quills nearly equal and longest; second intermediate between the seventh and eighth. General color above black, barred transversely with white on the back, rump, and flanks; the upper surface of tail and tail-coverts, and a broad patch on the upper part of the back about half an inch long, pure black. The white bands measure about .12 of an inch, the black about twice as much. The top of the head is black, each feather with a short streak of white; on the extreme occiput and the nape is a transverse patch of crimson, each feather having a white spot just below the crimson. The crimson patch is usually as far from the base of the bill above as this is from its point. The sides of the head may be described as black; a white stripe commences on the upper edge of the eye, and, passing backwards, margins the crimson, and extends on down the side of the neck to a patch of white, apparently connected with its fellow on the opposite side by white spots. Another narrow white stripe commences at the nostrils, (the bristles of which are whitish,) and passes as far as the occiput, where it ceases in the middle of the black of the cheeks. There are thus two white streaks on the side of the head bordering a black one passing through the eye. The under parts generally are white, with a dirty yellow tinge. The sides of the breast and body are faintly streaked with black; the flanks barred with the same. The under coverts are barred with black.The three outer tail-feathers are yellowish-white, with two or three interrupted bars of black on the posterior or terminal fourth, and a concealed patch of black on the inner web near the end. Only the terminal band iscontinuous across, sometimes the others; always interrupted along the shaft, and even reduced to rounded spots of black on one or both webs. No distinct bands are visible on raising the crissum. The black patch on inner web of outer tail-feather near the base increases on the second and third, on the latter leaving the end only with an oblique white patch. The bands on the under surface have a tendency to a transversely cordate and interrupted, rather than a continuous, linear arrangement.Young birds have the whole top of head red, as inP. scalaris, with or without white at the base of the red. The white nasal tufts and other characters will, however, distinguish them.This bird, though widely different in appearance fromscalaris, may nevertheless, without any violence, be regarded as but one extreme of a species of which the lighter examples ofscalaris(bairdi) are the other, the transition towardsnuttallibeing throughvar.scalaris,var.graysoni, andvar.lucasanus, each in that succession showing a nearer approach to the distinctive features ofnuttalli. We have not seen any intermediate specimens, however. The pure white instead of smoky-brown nasal tufts, and their greater development, are the only characters which show a marked difference from the varieties ofscalaris; but the other differences are nothing more than an extension of the black markings and restriction of the red in the male, the result of a melanistic tendency in the Pacific region.Habits.This species was first discovered by Dr. Gambel near Los Angeles,Cal., and described by him in the Proceedings of the Philadelphia Academy. Afterwards, in his paper on the birds of California, published in the Academy’s Journal, mistaking it for theP. scalarisof Wagler, he furnished a fuller description of the bird and its habits, and gave with it illustrations of both sexes. So far as now known, it appears to be confined to the regions in California and Oregon west of the Coast Range, extending as far south as San Diego, representing, in its distribution on the Pacific, theP. borealisof the Atlantic States. One specimen in the Smithsonian collections was obtained on Umpqua River, in Oregon Territory; the others at Santa Clara, San Francisco, Petaluma, Bodega, and Yreka, in California. Dr. Woodhouse says, in his Report on the birds of the Zuñi and Colorado expedition, that he has only seen this bird in California, from which region he has examined numerous specimens. Dr. Heermann, in his Report on the birds of Lieutenant Williamson’s expedition, states that this Woodpecker is occasionally found in the mountains of Northern California, but that it is much more abundant in the valleys. Dr. Gambel found it abundant in California at all seasons. He describes it as having the usual habits of Woodpeckers, familiarly examining the fence-rails and orchard-trees for its insect-fare. He found it breeding at Santa Barbara, and on the 1st of May discovered a nest containing young in the dead stump of an oak, about fifteen feet from the ground. The hole for entrance was remarkably small, but inside appeared large and deep. The parents were constantly bringing insects and larvæ.Dr. Cooper states that this Woodpecker is quite abundant towards the coast of California, and among the foothills west of the Sierra Nevada. It frequents the oaks and the smaller trees almost exclusively, avoiding the coniferous forests. It is very industrious, and not easily frightened, when engaged in hammering on the bark of trees allowing a very near approach. At other times, when pursued, it becomes more wary and suspicious. April 20, 1862, Dr. Cooper discovered a nest of this bird near San Diego. It was in a rotten stump, and was only about four feet from the ground. He captured the female on her nest, which contained five eggs of a pure pearly whiteness.These birds are said to remain throughout the year in the valleys, and to migrate very little, if at all. Dr. Cooper has not observed it west of the Coast Range, except near Santa Barbara, nor has he seen any around gardens or orchards. None have been observed north or east of the State. East of the mountains it is replaced by thescalaris.Mr. Xantus mentions finding a nest containing two eggs in a hole in theCereus giganteus, about fifteen feet from the ground. The excavation made by the bird was about a foot and a half deep and six inches wide.This Woodpecker Mr. Ridgway saw only in the Sacramento Valley, where, in June, it appeared to be a common species among the oaks of the plains. He did not learn anything of its habits, but describes its notes as very peculiar, the usual one being a prolonged querulous rattling call, unlike that of any other bird known to him.SubgenusPHRENOPICUS,Bonap.Phrenopicus,Bonap.Consp. Vol. Zygod. Ateneo Ital.1854. (Type,Picus borealis,Vieill.)Phrenopipo,Cab. & Hein.Mus. Hein.1863, 70. Same type.This subgenus is closely related in external form to the preceding, differing in rather longer and more pointed wings and tail, the latter especially, and a very small, short bill. The first quill (excluding the spurious one) is considerably longer than the sixth, not shorter. The tail-feathers are much attenuated at end. The most marked differences in coloration of the type species,P. borealis, consists in the absence of the post-ocular black patch, leaving the whole auricular region white, and in the restriction of the red to a very narrow line on each side, usually concealed.Some authors placePicus stricklandiof Mexico (PhrenopipoorXylocopus stricklandi,Cab. and Hein.) in this section, to which it may indeed belong as far as the wing is concerned, but the markings are entirely different.Picus borealis,Vieill.RED-COCKADED WOODPECKER.Picus borealis,Vieillot,Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 66,pl. cxxii.—Stephens, in Shaw’sGen. Zoöl. IX, 1817, 174.—Baird,Birds N. Am.1858, 96.—Cassin,Pr. A. N. S.1863, 201.—Gray,Catal.1868, 50.—Allen,B. E. Fla.305.—Sundevall,Consp.1866, 21.Threnopipo borealis,Cab. & Hein.Mus. Hein. IV, 2, 70.Picus querulus,Wilson,Am. Orn. II, 1810, 103,pl. xv, f.1.—Wagler,Syst. Av.1827,No.21.—Ib.Isis, 1829, 510.—Aud.Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 12,pl. ccclxxxix.—Ib.Birds Am. IV, 1842, 254,pl. cclxiv.—Bp.Consp.1850, 137.—Cassin,Pr. A. N. S.1863 (southernmost race).Picus (Phrenopicus) querulus,Bp.Consp. Zyg. Aten. Ital.1854, 8.Picus leucotis,Illiger(fide Lichtenstein in letter to Wagler; perhaps only a catalogue name).—Licht.Verzeich.1823, 12,No.81.Picus vieilloti,Wagler,Syst. Av.1827,No.20.Sp. Char.Fourth quill (not counting the spurious) longest. First nearer tip of fifth than of sixth, intermediate between the two. Upper parts, with top and sides of the head, black. Back, rump, and scapulars banded transversely with white; quills spotted with white on both webs; middle and greater coverts spotted. Bristles of bill, under parts generally, and a silky patch on the side of the head, white. Sides of breast and body streaked with black. First and second outer tail-feathers white, barred with black on inner web. Outer web of the third mostly white. A short, very inconspicuous narrow streak of silky scarlet on the side of the head a short distance behind the eye, along the junction of the white and black (this is wanting in the female); a narrow short line of white just above the eye. Length, about 7.25; wing, 4.50; tail, 3.25.Hab. Southern States, becoming very rare north to Pennsylvania.This species differs from the other banded Woodpeckers, as stated in the diagnosis, in having a large patch of white behind the eye, including the ears and sides of head, and not traversed by a black post-ocular stripe. The bands of the back, as inP. nuttalli, do not reach the nape, nor extend over the upper tail-covert. The white patch occupies almost exactly the same area as the black one innuttalli; the white space covered by the supra-orbital and malar stripes, and the white patch on side of nape, of the latter species being here black.According to Mr. Cassin, southern specimens which he distinguishes asP. querulusfromP. borealisof Pennsylvania, differ in smaller number of transverse bars on the back, and shorter quills, and in fewer white spots on the wing-coverts and outer primaries. The black band on the back of neck is wider. This therefore exhibits the same tendency to melanism, in more southern specimens, that has been already indicated forP. villosus,scalaris, etc.Habits.The Red-cockaded Woodpecker has a restricted distribution to the Southeastern Atlantic States, being rarely met with so far north as Pennsylvania. Georgia and Florida are the only localities represented in the Smithsonian collection, though other Southern States not named have furnished specimens. It has been met with as far to the west as Eastern Texas and the Indian Territory, where Dr. Woodhouse speaks of having found them common.(Report of an Expedition down the Zuñi and Colorado Rivers, Zoölogy,p.89.) Wilson only met with it in the pine woods of North Carolina, Georgia, and South Carolina, and does not appear to have been acquainted with its habits. Audubon speaks of it as being found abundantly from Texas to New Jersey, and as far inland as Tennessee, and as nowhere more numerous than in the pine barrens of Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. He found these birds mated in Florida as early as January, and engaged in preparing a breeding-place in February. The nest, he states, is not unfrequently bored in a decayed stump about thirty feet high. The eggs he describes as smooth and pure white, and as usually four in number, though he has found as many as six in a nest. The young crawl out of their holes before they are able to fly, and wait on the branches to receive the food brought by their parents until they are able to shift for themselves. During the breeding-season the call of these birds is more than usually lively and petulant, and is reiterated through the pine woods where it is chiefly found.Wilson compares the common call-notes of these birds to the querulous cries of young birds. His attention was first directed to them by this peculiarity. He characterizes the species as restless, active, and clamorous.Though almost exclusively a Southern species, and principally found south of North Carolina, individuals have been known to wander much farther north. Mr. G. N. Lawrence obtained a specimen of this bird in Hoboken,N. J., opposite New York City.In quickness of motion this Woodpecker is said to be equalled by very few of the family. Mr. Audubon states that it glides upwards and sideways, along the trunks and branches, on the lower as well as the upper sides of the latter, moving with great celerity, and occasionally uttering a short, shrill, clear cry, that can be heard at a considerable distance. Mr. Audubon kept a wounded one several days. It soon cut its way out of a cage, and ascended the wall of the room as it would a tree, seizing such spiders and insects as it was able to find. Other than this it would take no food, and was set at liberty.In the stomach of one dissected were found small ants and a few minute coleopterous insects. In Florida it mates in January and nests in February. In the winter it seeks shelter in holes, as also in stormy weather. Mr. Audubon states that it occasionally feeds on grain and on small fruits. Some go to the ground to search for those that have fallen from trees. They are always found in pairs, and during the breeding-season are very pugnacious.An egg of this species obtained near Wilmington,N. C., by Mr. N. Giles, measures .95 by .70 of an inch. It is pure white, appeared less glossy than the eggs of most Woodpeckers, and was of a more elliptical shape. Another egg of this bird sent to me by Mr. Samuel Pasco of Monticello,Fla., measures .98 by .70 of an inch, being even more oblong in shape, and correspondsalso in the absence of that brilliant polish so common in most Woodpeckers.SubgenusXENOPICUS,Baird.Xenopicus,Baird,Birds N. Am.1858, 83. (Type,Leuconerpes albolarvatus,Cass.)Xenocraugus,Cab. & Hein.Mus. Hein. IV, 2, 1863, 74. (Same type.)This section ofPicusis not appreciably different in form fromPicus villosus, which may be taken as the American type of the genusPicus. The plumage appears softer, however, and the uniformly black body with white head and white patch at base of primaries will readily distinguish it from any allied group.Picus albolarvatus,Baird.WHITE-HEADED WOODPECKER.Leuconerpes albolarvatus,Cassin,Pr. A. N. Sc. V, Oct.1850, 106 (California).Bonap.Consp. Zyg. At. Ital.1854, 10.Melanerpes albolarvatus,Cassin,J. A. N. Sc.2dseries,II, Jan.1853, 257,pl. xxii.—Newberry,Zoöl. Cal. and Oreg.Route, 9,Rep. P. R. R. VI, 1857.Picus (Xenopicus) albolarvatus,Baird,Birds N. Am.1858, 96.—Cassin,Pr. A. N. Sc.1863, 202.—Lord,Pr. R. Art. Ins. IV, 1864, 112 (Ft.Colville; nesting).—Cooper & Suckley, 160.—Elliot, BirdsN. Am. IX, plate.Picus albolarvatus,Sundevall,Consp. Pic.29.—Cooper,Orn. Cal. I, 1870, 382.Xenocraugus albolarvatus,Cab. & Hein.Mus. Hein. IV, 2, 1863, 74.Xenopicus albolarvatus,Elliot,Illust. Birds Am. I, pl. xxix.

Hab.Eastern United States, towards the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains, into British Columbia and the Humboldt Mountains, and north to the limits of the woods; along whole Yukon River; perhaps to the Pacific, north of the 49th parallel; Kodiak. Localities: San Antonio, Texas (Dresser, Ibis, 1865, 468). Accidental in England.

The remarks already made on the variation ofPicus villosusapply equally well here; all the differences in size and markings with locality being almost exactly reproduced. The western variety,P. gairdneri, is equally uncertain in characters asP. harrisi, and as little entitled to specific distinction. As in the previous instance, we shall call typicalpubescensthose specimens in which all the middle and greater coverts and all the quills including the innermost secondaries are spotted with white, while those in which any of these feathers, whether all the coverts, as in Oregon birds, or only a few of them, are unspotted, may be calledvar.gairdneri.

Of typicalpubescensin the Eastern States there are minor variations, but not of much account. Thus the forehead itself, apart from the white nasal tufts, is sometimes white, connecting with the white superciliary stripe; more frequently, however, the whole forehead is black. Northern specimens are larger and have larger white spots, and not unfrequently the black cheek-stripe is invaded anteriorly by white, which, however, is appreciable at the base of the feathers. The black bars on the tail are much restricted in specimens from the Yukon. Southern specimens are smaller and darker, with smaller spots on the wings.

In all the changes of the two species, there is no difficulty in distinguishingP. pubescensfromP. villosusby the black bars on outer tail-feathers of the former, and their absence in the latter. The crissum ofpubescensis sometimes somewhat spotted with blackish. The white markings on the coverts are larger in proportion, and there are almost always two series of white spots on the greater coverts, as in northern varieties ofvillosus, not one, as in most of those from the Middle States.

Habits.This species, like the Hairy Woodpecker, is a resident rather than a migratory species, and breeds wherever it is met with. It also seems to have very nearly the same geographical distribution with that species. Dr. Woodhouse found it common throughout the Indian Territory, Texas, and New Mexico. It does not, however, appear to have been collected by any of the parties engaged in the Pacific Railroad surveys, nor by that upon the survey of the Mexican boundary. Of seventeen specimens given byProfessor Baird in 1858 as in the collections of the Smithsonian Institution, six are from Pennsylvania, two from Massachusetts, two from Missouri, one from Bonhomme Island in Nebraska, and the rest from Fort Leavenworth, Salt Creek, Fort Riley, and Platte River in Kansas. It is quite common throughout the coast region of Alaska, exclusive of the Aleutians, and throughout the entire valley of the Yukon. Wilson makes no mention of its geographical distribution, probably because he found it everywhere common, to the extent of his own investigations. Audubon speaks of it as very generally distributed from the lower parts of Louisiana to Labrador, and as far westward as he travelled.

Sir John Richardson states that this species is a constant inhabitant of the fur countries up to the 58th parallel. It seeks its food principally on the maple, elm, and ash, and, north of latitude 54°, where these trees are not found, on the aspen and birch.

According to Wilson, these birds select a suitable place for the excavation of their nest, about the middle of May. An apple, pear, or cherry tree, often in the near neighborhood of a farm-house, is generally fixed upon for this purpose. The work of excavation is begun by the male, who cuts a hole in the solid wood as circular as if described with a pair of compasses. He is occasionally relieved by the female, both parties working with the most indefatigable diligence. The direction of the hole, when made in the body of the tree, is downward by an angle of forty degrees for the distance of six or eight inches, and then directly downward for ten or twelve more. Within, the excavation is roomy, capacious, and as smooth as if polished by the hand of the most finished workman. The entrance is, however, left only just large enough to admit the bodies of the birds. During their labor they even take the pains to carry their chips to a distance, to prevent suspicion. This operation sometimes occupies the chief part of a week. The eggs are generally six in number, pure white, and laid on the smooth bottom of the cavity. The male supplies the female with food while she is sitting. The young generally leave the nest about the last of June.

The same writer also gives an interesting account of the impudent coolness of the House Wren, who, coveting the well-built home of this Woodpecker, and unable to excavate such an apartment for itself, waits until the poor Woodpeckers have completed their work, and then attacks them with violence and drives them off from the nest they have been at so much pains to prepare. He states that he saw a striking example of this, where the Woodpeckers, after commencing in a cherry-tree, within a few yards of the house, and having made considerable progress, were turned out by the Wren. They began again on a pear-tree in the garden, a few yards off, when, after digging out a most complete apartment, and laying one egg, they were once more assaulted by the same impertinent intruder, and finally forced to abandon the place.

Mr. Audubon gives substantially the same account of their nesting, only he assigns an earlier period, the middle of April, for its commencement, anddescribes the entrance to the excavation as often being at right angles to the trunk for a few inches before it descends. He states that in the Southern and Middle States two broods are raised in a season, farther north seldom more than one.

Mr. C. S. Paine, of Randolph,Vt., speaks of this Woodpecker as being one of the most common and familiar, in Vermont, of the family. They are to be met with in his neighborhood at all seasons of the year, though he is of the opinion that many of them go south to spend the winter. They deposit their eggs about the first of June in the very snug little excavations they prepare. The male bird will sometimes prepare a separate apartment for himself, apart from his mate. Mr. Paine has taken the male in such a hole by himself, and without any nest or eggs, evidently only prepared for shelter.

This Woodpecker has a single note or cry, sounding likechink, which it frequently repeats. When it flies, and often when it alights, this cry is more shrill and prolonged. They are very industrious, and are constantly employed in search of insects, chiefly in orchards and the more open groves. The orchard is its favorite resort, and it is particularly fond of boring the bark of apple-trees for insects. This fact, and the erroneous impression that it taps the trees for the sap, has given to these birds the common name of Sapsuckers, and has caused an unjust prejudice against them. So far from doing any injury to the trees, they are of great and unmixed benefit. Wilson, who was at great pains to investigate the matter, declares that he invariably found that those trees that were thus marked by the Woodpecker were uniformly the most thriving and the most productive. “Here, then,” adds Wilson, “is a whole species—I may say genus—of birds, which Providence seems to have formed for the protection of our fruit and forest trees from the ravages of vermin, which every day destroy millions of those noxious insects that would otherwise blast the hopes of the husbandman, and even promote the fertility of the tree, and in return are proscribed by those who ought to have been their protectors.”

The egg of this species is nearly spherical, pure white, and measures .83 by .72 of an inch.

Picus pubescens,var.gairdneri,Aud.

GAIRDNER’S WOODPECKER.

Picus gairdneri,Aud.Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 317.—Ib.Syn.1839, 180.—Ib.Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 252 (not figured).—Baird,Birds N. Am.1858, 91,pl. lxxxv, f.2, 3.—Sundevall,Consp.1866, 17.—Gray,Cat.1868, 44.—Cooper & Suckley, 159.—Sclater,Catal.1862, 334.—Malh.Monog. Picidæ, I, 123.—Cass.P. A. N. S.1863, 201.—Cooper,Orn. Cal.1, 1870, 377.—Lord,Pr. R. Art. Inst.IV, 1864, 111.Picus meridionalis,Nutt.Man. I, (2d ed.,) 1840, 690 (not ofSwainson).—Gambel,J. A. N. Sc. I, 1847, 55, 105.Picus turati,Malherbe,Mon. Pic. I, 125,tab.29 (small race, 5.50, from Monterey,Cal., nearestpubescens).Dryobates turati,Cab. & Hein.Mus. Hein. IV, 2, 1863, 65.Dryobates homorus,Cab. & Hein.Mus. Hein. IV, 2, 1863, 65 (larger, more spotted style).

Sp. Char.Similar topubescensin size and markings, but with less white on the wings. Varies from entire absence of exposed white spots on the middle and greater wing-coverts and innermost secondaries, with small spots on the quills, to spots on most of their feathers, but absent on some, and the spots generally larger.

Hab.Pacific coast of United States to Rocky Mountains. Darkest and with least white in Western Oregon and Washington.

In the preceding article we have given the comparative characters of this form, which we can only consider as a variety, and not very permanent or strongly marked at that.

As inpubescens, this race varies much in the color of the under parts, which are sometimes pure white, sometimes smoky-brown. It is suggested that this is partly due to a soiling derived from inhabiting charred trees. It is, at any rate, of no specific value.

Habits.Gairdner’s Woodpecker is the western representative and counterpart of the Downy Woodpecker of the east, resembling it in size and general habits, and only differing from it in certain exceptional characteristics already mentioned. It is found throughout western North America, probably from Mexico to the British Possessions, and from the eastern base of the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific.

Dr. Cooper met with it in California, chiefly in the northern parts of the State, but did not observe any south of the Santa Clara Valley. Dr. Coues saw none in Arizona, or possibly a single specimen not positively ascertained.

Dr. Cooper found one of its nests near Santa Clara, on the 24th of May, containing young. It had been burrowed in a small and partly rotten tree, and was about five feet from the ground. From the fact that they were found breeding so far south he infers that among the mountains they probably occur much farther to the south, as do most other northern birds. He found them frequenting chiefly the smaller trees in the vicinity of the evergreen woods, where they were to be seen at all seasons industriously tapping the bark to obtain insects.

Dr. Newberry mentions finding them very common in Oregon, and also in Northern California. In Washington Territory, Dr. Suckley found them extremely common on the Lower Columbia, especially among the willow-trees lining its banks. They were resident throughout the winter, and in these situations were very abundant. In January, 1856, he found them so abundant among the willows growing on the islands in the delta of the Willamette, that he readily obtained eight specimens in the space of an hour. At that season they were very unwary, giving little heed to the presence of man, not even allowing the near discharge of a gun to interfere with their busy search for food.

Dr. Heermann speaks of it as neither common nor especially rare. He obtained several specimens among the mountains of Northern California.

Mr. Lord met with these Woodpeckers abundantly in the NorthwesternBoundary Survey. They differed slightly in their habits from theP. harrisi, generally hunting for insects on the maples, alders, and stunted oaks, rather than on the pine-trees. Specimens were taken on Vancouver Island, Sumass Prairie, Colville, and the west slope of the Rocky Mountains at an altitude of seven thousand feet above the sea-level.

Mr. Ridgway found this Woodpecker to be unaccountably rare in the Sierra Nevada and all portions of the Great Basin, as well as in the Wahsatch and Uintah Mountains, even in places where theP. harrisiwas at all times abundant. Indeed, he only met with it on two or three occasions, in the fall: first in the Upper Humboldt Valley, in September, where it was rare in the thickets along the streams; and again in the Wahsatch Mountains, where but a single brood of young was met with in August.

An egg of this species from Oregon, obtained by Mr. Ricksecker, is larger than that of thepubescens, but similar in shape, being very nearly spherical. It measures .96 of an inch in length by .85 in breadth.

SubgenusDYCTIOPICUS,Bonap.

Dyctiopicus,Bonap.Ateneo Ital.1854, 8. (Type,Picus scalaris,Wagler.)

Dyctiopipo,Cabanis &Hein.Mus. Hein. IV, 2, 1863, 74. (Same type.)

Char.Small species, banded above transversely with black or brown and white.

Of this group there are two sections,—one with the central tail-feathers entirely black, from Mexico and the United States (three species); the other with their feathers like the lateral black, banded or spotted with white (three species from southern South America). The northern section is characterized as follows:—

Common Characters.All the larger coverts and quills with white spots becoming transverse bands on innermost secondaries. Cheeks black with a supra-orbital and a malar stripe of white. Back banded alternately with black and white, but not on upper tail-coverts, nor four central tail-feathers. Beneath whitish, sides with elongated black spots; flanks and crissum transversely barred. Tail-feathers, except as mentioned, with spots ortransverse bars of black. Head of male with red patch above (restricted innuttalli), each feather with a white spot below the red.Femalewithout red.

The characters of the speciesscalaris, with its varieties, andnuttalli, will be found underPicus.

Picus scalaris,Wagler.

LADDER-BACKED WOODPECKER.

Picus scalaris,Wagler, Isis, 1829,V, 511 (Mexico).—Bonap.Consp.1850, 138.—Scl.P. Z. S.1856, 307.—Sund.Consp.18.—Baird,Birds N. Am.1858, 94,pl. xli, f.1.—Ib.Rep. Mex. Bound. II, 4,pl. iii.—Scl.Cat.1862, 333.—Cass.P. A. N. S.1863, 195.—Gray,Cat.1868, 48.—Heerm.X,c,p.18.—Cooper,Orn. Cal.1, 1870, 379.Picus (Dyctiopicus) scalaris,Bon.Consp. Zygod. Aten. Ital.1854, 8.Dyctiopipo scalaris,Cab. & Hein.Mus.74.Picus gracilis,Less.Rev. Zoöl.1839, 90 (Mexico).Picus parvus,Cabot, BostonJour. N. H. V, 1845, 90 (Sisal, Yucatan).Picus orizabæ,Cassin,Pr. A. N. S.1863, 196 (Orizaba).Picus bogotus,Cassin,Pr. A. N. S.1863, 196;Jour. A. N. S. V, 1863, 460,pl. lii, f.1 (Mex.).Picus bairdi(Scl.MSS.),Malherbe,Mon. Pic. I, 118,t. xxvii, f.7, 8.—Scl.Cat.333, (?)P. Z. S.64, 177 (city ofMex.).—Cab. & Hein.Mus. Hein. IV, 2, 76.—Cassin,Pr. A. N. S.1863, 196.—Coues,Pr. A. N. S.1866, 52 (perhapsvar.graysoni).—Dresser, Ibis, 1865, 468.Hab.Texas and New Mexico, to Arizona; south through Eastern Mexico to Yucatan.Picus scalaris,var.graysoni,Baird,MSS.Hab.Western Arizona; Western Mexico and Tres Marias.

Sp. Char.Back banded transversely with black and white from nape to rump (not upper tail-coverts). Quills and coverts with spots of white; forming bands on the secondaries. Two white stripes on sides of head. Top of head red, spotted with white. Nasal tufts brown. Beneath brownish-white, with black spots on sides, becoming bands behind. Outer tail-feathers more or less banded. Length, about 6.50; wing, 3.50 to 4.50; tail, about 2.50.

Hab.Guatemala, Mexico, and adjacent southern parts of United States. Localities: Xalapa (Scl.P. Z. S.1859, 367); Cordova (Scl.1856, 357); Guatemala (Scl.Ibis,I, 136); Orizaba (Scl.Cat.333);S. E.Texas (Dresser, Ibis, 1865, 468, breeds);W.Arizona (Coues,P. A. N. S.1866, 52); Yucatan (Lawr.Ann. N. Y. Lyc. IX, 205).

In the above diagnosis we have endeavored to express the average of characters belonging to a Woodpecker to which many names, based on trifling geographical variations, have been assigned, but which legitimately can be only considered as one species. This is among the smallest of the North American Woodpeckers, and in all its variations the wings are long, reaching as far as the short feathers of the tail. The upper parts generally are black, on the back, rump, and exposed feathers of the wings banded transversely with white, the black bands rather the narrower; the quills and larger coverts spotted with the same on both webs, becoming bands on the innermost secondaries. The upper tail-coverts and two inner tail-feathers on either side are black. The white bands of the back extend all the way up to the neck, without any interscapular interruption. The under parts are of a pale smoky brownish-white, almost with a lilac tinge; on the sides of the breast and belly are a few scattered small but elongated spots. The posterior parts of the sides under the wing and the under tail-coverts are obscurely banded transversely with black. The top of the head, extending from a narrow sooty frontlet at the base of the bill to a short, broad nuchal crest, is crimson in the male, each feather with a white spot between thecrimson and the dark brown base of the feathers. The brown nasal tuft is scarcely different from the feathers of the forehead.

In a large series of specimens of this species, from a wide area of distribution, considerable differences are appreciable in size, but fewer in coloration than might be expected. Yucatan birds are the least (Picus parvus, Cabot;vagatus, Cassin), the wing measuring 3.30 inches. Those from Southern Mexico are but little larger (wing, 3.60). In Northern Mexico the wing is nearly 4 inches; in New Mexico it is 4.30. The markings vary but little. The black and white bands on the back are about of equal width, but sometimes one, sometimes the other, appears the larger; the more eastern have, perhaps, the most white. The pattern on the tail is quite constant. Thus, assuming the three outer feathers to be white, banded with black, the outermost may be said to have seven transverse bars of black, of which the terminal four (sometimes five) are distinct and perfect, the basal three (or two) confluent into one on the inner web (the extreme base of the feather white). The next feather has, perhaps, the same number of dark bands, but here only two (sometimes three) are continuous and complete; the innermost united together, the outer showing as scallops. The third feather has no continuous bands (or only one), all the inner portions being fused; the outer mere scallops, sometimes an oblique edging; generally, however, the interspaces of the dark bands are more or less distinctly traceable through their dusky suffusion, especially on the inner web of the outer feather. The number of free bands thus varies slightly, but the general pattern is the same. This condition prevails in nearly all the specimens before us from Yucatan and Mexico (in only one specimen from Arizona, and one or two from Texas), and is probably the typicalscalarisof Wagler.

In specimens from the Rio Grande and across to Arizona the seven bands of the outer feather are frequently continuous and complete on both webs to the base, a slight suffusion only indicating the tendency to union in the inner web. The other feathers are much as described, except that the white interspaces of the black scallops penetrate deeper towards the shaft. This is perhaps the race to which the name ofP. bairdihas been applied. We do not find, however, any decided reduction in the amount of red on the anterior portion of the head, as stated for this species (perhaps it is less continuous towards the front), except in immature birds; young females possibly losing the immature red of the crown, as with typicalscalaris.

A third type of tail-marking is seen in specimens from the Pacific coast, and from the Tres Marias especially; also in some skins from Southwestern Arizona. Here the extreme forehead is black, with white spots; the red of the crown not so continuous anteriorly even as in the last-mentioned race. The general pattern of tail is as described, and the bars on the inner webs are also confluent towards the base, but we have only two or three transverse bars at the end of the outer feathers; the rest of outer web entirely white, this color also invading the inner. The second feather is similarlymarked, sometimes with only one spot on outer web; the third has the black scallops restricted. This may be calledvar.graysoni, as most specimens in the Smithsonian collection were furnished by Colonel Grayson. The size is equal to the largest typicalscalaris.

We next come to the CapeSt.Lucas bird, described by Mr. Xantus asP. lucasanus. Here the bill and feet become disproportionally larger and more robust than in any described; the black bands of the back larger than the white, perhaps fewer in number. The continuous red of the head also appears restricted to a stripe above and behind the eye and on the occiput, although there are some scattered feathers as far forward as above the eyes. The specimens are, however, not in very good plumage, and this marking cannot be very well defined; the red may really be as continuous forward as in the last variety. The nasal tufts are brown, as in the typicalscalaris. The outer three tail-feathers in most specimens show still more white, with one or two indistinct terminal bands only on the outer two; one or two additional spots, especially on inner web, and the sub-basal patch of inner web greatly reduced. Specimens vary here in this respect, as in other races ofscalaris, but the average is as described.

Notwithstanding the decided difference between typicalscalarisandlucasanus, the discovery of the varietygraysonimakes it possible to consider both as extremes of one species. Tonuttalli, however, it is but one step farther; a restriction of the red to the posterior half of the top of head, the white instead of brown nasal feathers, and the whiter under parts being the only positive characters. The markings of the tail are almost identical with those oflucasanus. The anterior portion of the back is, however, not banded, as in the several varieties described. For this reason it may therefore be questioned whether, iflucasanusandscalarisare one,nuttallishould not belong to the same series.

We thus find that the amount of black on the tail is greatest in Southern and Southeastern Mexican specimens, and farther north it begins to diminish; in Western Mexico it is still more reduced, while at CapeSt.Lucas the white is as great in amount as in the Upper CalifornianP. nuttalli.

The characters given above for the different varieties or races ofPicus scalaris, as far as they relate to the tail, may be expressed in the following table, illustrated by the accompanying diagram, showing the markings of outer tail-feather inscalarisandnuttalli.

Outer tail-feathers with seven distinct transverse black bands.

These bands confluent on inner web near the base …var.scalaris.

Bands distinct on inner web …var.bairdi.

Bands on outer tail-feather distinct on outer webs at end only, obsolete or wanting towards base (as innuttalli).

Tarsus, .68. Bill and legs as in average …var.graysoni.

Tarsus, .78. Bill and legs very stout …var.lucasanus.

Tail-feather picus scalaris

Tail-feather picus nuttalli

Habits.This species belongs to our southern and southwestern fauna, entering our borders from Mexico, occurring from the valley of the Rio Grande to Southeastern California, and the slopes of the Rocky Mountains south of the 35th parallel. It is found throughout Mexico to Yucatan and Guatemala.

Dr. Samuel Cabot obtained a single specimen of this bird at Yucatan, which he described under the name ofP. parvus, in the Boston Journal of Natural History,V, p.92. It was procured early in December, 1841, in the neighborhood of Ticul, Yucatan. Dr. Kennerly considered it a not uncommon species in the vicinity of Boca Grande; especially wherever there were large trees. The same naturalist, in his Report on the birds of Lieutenant Whipple’s expedition, states that he very often saw this bird near San Antonio, Texas, as well as during the march several hundred miles west of that place, but that, after leaving the Rio Grande, he did not meet with it until he reached the head-waters of Bill Williams Fork. From thence to the Great Colorado River he saw it frequently, wherever there was any timber; but it was very shy, alighting on the tops of the leafless cotton-wood trees, and keeping a vigilant lookout.

Dr. Heermann, in his Report on the birds of Lieutenant J. G. Parke’s expedition, states that he observed this Woodpecker in the southernmost portion of California, and found it more and more abundant as he advanced towards Texas, where it was quite common. The same naturalist, in his Report on the birds of Lieutenant Williamson’s expedition, remarks that he procured this bird first at Vallicita, but found it abounding in the woods about Fort Yuma. He considered the species as new to the California fauna, though frequently seen in Texas, several of the expeditions having collected it.

Dr. Woodhouse, in his Report on the birds of Sitgreaves’s expedition to the Zuñi and the Colorado speaks of finding this beautiful little Woodpecker abundant in Texas, east of the Pecos River. During his stay in San Antonio and its vicinity, he became quite familiar with it. It was to be seen, at all times, flying from tree to tree, and lighting on the trunk of the mesquites (Algarobia), closely searching for its insect-food. In its habits and notes, he states, it much resembles the common Hairy Woodpecker. Dr. Woodhouse elsewhere remarks that he did not meet with this bird west of the Rio San Pedro, in Texas. In regard to its breeding-habits, so far as I am aware, they are inferred rather than known. It is quite probable they are not unlike those of thePicus pubescens, which it so closely resembles. The eggs in the collection of the Smithsonian were obtained with the collectionsof the late Dr. Berlandier of Matamoras, in the province of Tamaulipas, Mexico.

Dr. Cooper states that this Woodpecker is abundant in the Colorado Valley, and that they are sometimes seen on the bushes covering the neighboring mountains. In habits he regards them the exact counterpart ofP. nuttalli, to which they are allied.

Mr. Dresser found them resident and very common throughout all Texas and Northeastern Mexico. It breeds abundantly about San Antonio, boring into any tree it finds most suitable for its purposes.

Dr. Coues regards Fort Whipple as about the northern limit of this species in Arizona. It is not very common, is only a summer resident, and breeds sparingly there. Farther south, throughout the Territory, and in the Colorado Valley, he found it abundant. It does not cross the Colorado Desert into California, and is there replaced byP. nuttalli. It extends south into Central America. A bird shot by Dr. Coues, June 5, appeared to be incubating; young birds were taken just fledged July 10. The nest was in the top of a live-oak tree. Malherbe, who speaks of this Woodpecker as exclusively Mexican, states that he has been informed that it is abundant in that country, where it may be seen at all times, climbing over the trunks and branches of trees. It is said to be very familiar and unwary, living commonly in gardens and orchards through the greater part of the year, and many of them nesting there, though in regard to their manner of nesting he has no information.

The egg of this Woodpecker in shape is most similar to theP. villosus, being of an oblong-oval. It is larger than thepubescens, and not of so clear a white color. It measures exactly one inch in length by .75 of an inch in breadth.

Picus scalaris,var.lucasanus,Xantus.

THE CAPE WOODPECKER.

Picus lucasanus,Xantus,Pr. A. N. S.1859, 298, 302.—Malherbe,Mon. Picidæ, I, 166.—Cassin,Pr. A. N. S.1863, 195.—Cooper,Orn. Cal.1, 1870, 381.

Sp. Char.General appearance that ofPicus nuttalliandscalaris. Bill stout, as long as or longer than the head. Above black, banded transversely with white on the back and scapulars to the nape, the white narrower band, the rump and inner tail-feathers entirely black; quills with a row of white spots on each web; the outer square, the inner rounded, these spots on the tertials becoming transversely quadrangular. Beneath brownish-white, with rounded black spots on the sides of the breast, passing behind on the flanks and under tail-coverts into transverse bars. Greater inner wing-coverts transversely barred. Outer two tail-feathers white, with one, sometimes two terminal bars, next to which are one or two bars on the inner web only; third feather black, the outer web mostly white, with traces of a terminal black bar; sometimes there is a greater predominance of black on the inner web. Two white stripes on side of head, one starting above, the other below the eye, with a tendency to meet behind and form a whitishcollar on the nape. Male with the entire top of the head streaked with red, becoming more conspicuous behind; each red streak with a white spot at base. Feathers covering the nostrils smoky-brown. Length, 7.15; extent, 12.15; wing, 4.00; bill above, 1.00; middle toe and claw, .80; tarsus, .76.

Hab.CapeSt.Lucas.

Of the distinctness of this bird as a species fromP. nuttalliandscalarisI had at one time no doubt; but the discovery that the otherwise typicalscalarisfrom Mazatlan and Western Mexico generally have the same markings on the tail has induced me to consider it as a kind of connecting link. I have, however, thought it best to give a detailed description for comparison. Of about the same size withnuttalli, the bill and feet are much larger. The legs, indeed, are nearly, if not quite, as large as those of maleP. villosusfrom Pennsylvania; the bill, however, is somewhat less. The relations toP. scalarisare seen in the dorsal bands extending to the nape, the smoky-brown feathers of the nostrils, the red on the whole top of head (scattering anteriorly), the brownish shade beneath, the width of the white cheek-bands, etc. On the other hand, it has the black bands of the back rather wider than the white, as innuttalli, and the white outer tail-feathers even less banded with black. The two outer are entirely white, with one terminal black bar; one or two spots on the outer web; and two or three bands on the inner, with a sub-basal patch on the inner web, even smaller than innuttalli. It is rarely that even two continuous transverse bands can be seen to cross both webs of the tail. The bill and feet are much larger.

The following measurements taken from the largest specimens before us ofDyctiopicus, and one ofP. villosus, will illustrate what has been said of the size of bill and feet ofP. lucasanus.

Habits.Nothing distinctive is known of the habits of this race.

Picus nuttalli,Gambel.

NUTTALL’S WOODPECKER.

Picus nuttalli,Gambel,Pr. A. N. Sc. I, April, 1843, 259 (Los Angeles,Cal.).—Baird,Birds N. Am.1858, 93.—Sundevall,Consp. Pic.19.—Malh.Mon. Pic. I, 100.—Cassin,P. A. N. S.1863, 195.—Gray,Cat.1868, 50.—Cooper,Orn. Cal.1, 1870, 378.Picus scalaris, (Wagler)Gambel,J. A. N. Sc. Ph.2d ser. I, Dec.1847, 55,pl. ix, f.2, 3 (not ofWagler).Picus wilsoni,Malherbe,Rev. Zoöl.1849, 529.—Bonap.Consp.1850, 138.Picus (Trichopicus) wilsoni,Bonap.Consp. Zyg. Aten. Ital.1854, 8.

Sp. Char.Back black, banded transversely with white, but not on upper tail-coverts, nor as far forward as the neck. Greater and middle coverts and quills with spots or bands of white. Crown black, with white spots, sometimes wanting. On the nape a patch of white, behind this unbanded black. Occiput and nape crimson in the male. Tufts of feathers at the base of the bill white. Sides of the head black, with two white stripes, one above the eye and passing down on the side of the neck, the other below and cut off behind by black. Under parts smoky yellowish-white, spotted on the sides of the breast, and banded on flank and crissum with black. Predominant character of the outer tail-feather white, with two or three interrupted bands towards end; none at base. Length, about 7.00; wing, 4.50.Femalewith the top of the head uniform black, or sometimes spotted with white.

Hab.Coast region of California.

Third, fourth, and fifth quills nearly equal and longest; second intermediate between the seventh and eighth. General color above black, barred transversely with white on the back, rump, and flanks; the upper surface of tail and tail-coverts, and a broad patch on the upper part of the back about half an inch long, pure black. The white bands measure about .12 of an inch, the black about twice as much. The top of the head is black, each feather with a short streak of white; on the extreme occiput and the nape is a transverse patch of crimson, each feather having a white spot just below the crimson. The crimson patch is usually as far from the base of the bill above as this is from its point. The sides of the head may be described as black; a white stripe commences on the upper edge of the eye, and, passing backwards, margins the crimson, and extends on down the side of the neck to a patch of white, apparently connected with its fellow on the opposite side by white spots. Another narrow white stripe commences at the nostrils, (the bristles of which are whitish,) and passes as far as the occiput, where it ceases in the middle of the black of the cheeks. There are thus two white streaks on the side of the head bordering a black one passing through the eye. The under parts generally are white, with a dirty yellow tinge. The sides of the breast and body are faintly streaked with black; the flanks barred with the same. The under coverts are barred with black.

The three outer tail-feathers are yellowish-white, with two or three interrupted bars of black on the posterior or terminal fourth, and a concealed patch of black on the inner web near the end. Only the terminal band iscontinuous across, sometimes the others; always interrupted along the shaft, and even reduced to rounded spots of black on one or both webs. No distinct bands are visible on raising the crissum. The black patch on inner web of outer tail-feather near the base increases on the second and third, on the latter leaving the end only with an oblique white patch. The bands on the under surface have a tendency to a transversely cordate and interrupted, rather than a continuous, linear arrangement.

Young birds have the whole top of head red, as inP. scalaris, with or without white at the base of the red. The white nasal tufts and other characters will, however, distinguish them.

This bird, though widely different in appearance fromscalaris, may nevertheless, without any violence, be regarded as but one extreme of a species of which the lighter examples ofscalaris(bairdi) are the other, the transition towardsnuttallibeing throughvar.scalaris,var.graysoni, andvar.lucasanus, each in that succession showing a nearer approach to the distinctive features ofnuttalli. We have not seen any intermediate specimens, however. The pure white instead of smoky-brown nasal tufts, and their greater development, are the only characters which show a marked difference from the varieties ofscalaris; but the other differences are nothing more than an extension of the black markings and restriction of the red in the male, the result of a melanistic tendency in the Pacific region.

Habits.This species was first discovered by Dr. Gambel near Los Angeles,Cal., and described by him in the Proceedings of the Philadelphia Academy. Afterwards, in his paper on the birds of California, published in the Academy’s Journal, mistaking it for theP. scalarisof Wagler, he furnished a fuller description of the bird and its habits, and gave with it illustrations of both sexes. So far as now known, it appears to be confined to the regions in California and Oregon west of the Coast Range, extending as far south as San Diego, representing, in its distribution on the Pacific, theP. borealisof the Atlantic States. One specimen in the Smithsonian collections was obtained on Umpqua River, in Oregon Territory; the others at Santa Clara, San Francisco, Petaluma, Bodega, and Yreka, in California. Dr. Woodhouse says, in his Report on the birds of the Zuñi and Colorado expedition, that he has only seen this bird in California, from which region he has examined numerous specimens. Dr. Heermann, in his Report on the birds of Lieutenant Williamson’s expedition, states that this Woodpecker is occasionally found in the mountains of Northern California, but that it is much more abundant in the valleys. Dr. Gambel found it abundant in California at all seasons. He describes it as having the usual habits of Woodpeckers, familiarly examining the fence-rails and orchard-trees for its insect-fare. He found it breeding at Santa Barbara, and on the 1st of May discovered a nest containing young in the dead stump of an oak, about fifteen feet from the ground. The hole for entrance was remarkably small, but inside appeared large and deep. The parents were constantly bringing insects and larvæ.

Dr. Cooper states that this Woodpecker is quite abundant towards the coast of California, and among the foothills west of the Sierra Nevada. It frequents the oaks and the smaller trees almost exclusively, avoiding the coniferous forests. It is very industrious, and not easily frightened, when engaged in hammering on the bark of trees allowing a very near approach. At other times, when pursued, it becomes more wary and suspicious. April 20, 1862, Dr. Cooper discovered a nest of this bird near San Diego. It was in a rotten stump, and was only about four feet from the ground. He captured the female on her nest, which contained five eggs of a pure pearly whiteness.

These birds are said to remain throughout the year in the valleys, and to migrate very little, if at all. Dr. Cooper has not observed it west of the Coast Range, except near Santa Barbara, nor has he seen any around gardens or orchards. None have been observed north or east of the State. East of the mountains it is replaced by thescalaris.

Mr. Xantus mentions finding a nest containing two eggs in a hole in theCereus giganteus, about fifteen feet from the ground. The excavation made by the bird was about a foot and a half deep and six inches wide.

This Woodpecker Mr. Ridgway saw only in the Sacramento Valley, where, in June, it appeared to be a common species among the oaks of the plains. He did not learn anything of its habits, but describes its notes as very peculiar, the usual one being a prolonged querulous rattling call, unlike that of any other bird known to him.

SubgenusPHRENOPICUS,Bonap.

Phrenopicus,Bonap.Consp. Vol. Zygod. Ateneo Ital.1854. (Type,Picus borealis,Vieill.)

Phrenopipo,Cab. & Hein.Mus. Hein.1863, 70. Same type.

This subgenus is closely related in external form to the preceding, differing in rather longer and more pointed wings and tail, the latter especially, and a very small, short bill. The first quill (excluding the spurious one) is considerably longer than the sixth, not shorter. The tail-feathers are much attenuated at end. The most marked differences in coloration of the type species,P. borealis, consists in the absence of the post-ocular black patch, leaving the whole auricular region white, and in the restriction of the red to a very narrow line on each side, usually concealed.

Some authors placePicus stricklandiof Mexico (PhrenopipoorXylocopus stricklandi,Cab. and Hein.) in this section, to which it may indeed belong as far as the wing is concerned, but the markings are entirely different.

Picus borealis,Vieill.

RED-COCKADED WOODPECKER.

Picus borealis,Vieillot,Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 66,pl. cxxii.—Stephens, in Shaw’sGen. Zoöl. IX, 1817, 174.—Baird,Birds N. Am.1858, 96.—Cassin,Pr. A. N. S.1863, 201.—Gray,Catal.1868, 50.—Allen,B. E. Fla.305.—Sundevall,Consp.1866, 21.Threnopipo borealis,Cab. & Hein.Mus. Hein. IV, 2, 70.Picus querulus,Wilson,Am. Orn. II, 1810, 103,pl. xv, f.1.—Wagler,Syst. Av.1827,No.21.—Ib.Isis, 1829, 510.—Aud.Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 12,pl. ccclxxxix.—Ib.Birds Am. IV, 1842, 254,pl. cclxiv.—Bp.Consp.1850, 137.—Cassin,Pr. A. N. S.1863 (southernmost race).Picus (Phrenopicus) querulus,Bp.Consp. Zyg. Aten. Ital.1854, 8.Picus leucotis,Illiger(fide Lichtenstein in letter to Wagler; perhaps only a catalogue name).—Licht.Verzeich.1823, 12,No.81.Picus vieilloti,Wagler,Syst. Av.1827,No.20.

Sp. Char.Fourth quill (not counting the spurious) longest. First nearer tip of fifth than of sixth, intermediate between the two. Upper parts, with top and sides of the head, black. Back, rump, and scapulars banded transversely with white; quills spotted with white on both webs; middle and greater coverts spotted. Bristles of bill, under parts generally, and a silky patch on the side of the head, white. Sides of breast and body streaked with black. First and second outer tail-feathers white, barred with black on inner web. Outer web of the third mostly white. A short, very inconspicuous narrow streak of silky scarlet on the side of the head a short distance behind the eye, along the junction of the white and black (this is wanting in the female); a narrow short line of white just above the eye. Length, about 7.25; wing, 4.50; tail, 3.25.

Hab. Southern States, becoming very rare north to Pennsylvania.

This species differs from the other banded Woodpeckers, as stated in the diagnosis, in having a large patch of white behind the eye, including the ears and sides of head, and not traversed by a black post-ocular stripe. The bands of the back, as inP. nuttalli, do not reach the nape, nor extend over the upper tail-covert. The white patch occupies almost exactly the same area as the black one innuttalli; the white space covered by the supra-orbital and malar stripes, and the white patch on side of nape, of the latter species being here black.

According to Mr. Cassin, southern specimens which he distinguishes asP. querulusfromP. borealisof Pennsylvania, differ in smaller number of transverse bars on the back, and shorter quills, and in fewer white spots on the wing-coverts and outer primaries. The black band on the back of neck is wider. This therefore exhibits the same tendency to melanism, in more southern specimens, that has been already indicated forP. villosus,scalaris, etc.

Habits.The Red-cockaded Woodpecker has a restricted distribution to the Southeastern Atlantic States, being rarely met with so far north as Pennsylvania. Georgia and Florida are the only localities represented in the Smithsonian collection, though other Southern States not named have furnished specimens. It has been met with as far to the west as Eastern Texas and the Indian Territory, where Dr. Woodhouse speaks of having found them common.(Report of an Expedition down the Zuñi and Colorado Rivers, Zoölogy,p.89.) Wilson only met with it in the pine woods of North Carolina, Georgia, and South Carolina, and does not appear to have been acquainted with its habits. Audubon speaks of it as being found abundantly from Texas to New Jersey, and as far inland as Tennessee, and as nowhere more numerous than in the pine barrens of Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. He found these birds mated in Florida as early as January, and engaged in preparing a breeding-place in February. The nest, he states, is not unfrequently bored in a decayed stump about thirty feet high. The eggs he describes as smooth and pure white, and as usually four in number, though he has found as many as six in a nest. The young crawl out of their holes before they are able to fly, and wait on the branches to receive the food brought by their parents until they are able to shift for themselves. During the breeding-season the call of these birds is more than usually lively and petulant, and is reiterated through the pine woods where it is chiefly found.

Wilson compares the common call-notes of these birds to the querulous cries of young birds. His attention was first directed to them by this peculiarity. He characterizes the species as restless, active, and clamorous.

Though almost exclusively a Southern species, and principally found south of North Carolina, individuals have been known to wander much farther north. Mr. G. N. Lawrence obtained a specimen of this bird in Hoboken,N. J., opposite New York City.

In quickness of motion this Woodpecker is said to be equalled by very few of the family. Mr. Audubon states that it glides upwards and sideways, along the trunks and branches, on the lower as well as the upper sides of the latter, moving with great celerity, and occasionally uttering a short, shrill, clear cry, that can be heard at a considerable distance. Mr. Audubon kept a wounded one several days. It soon cut its way out of a cage, and ascended the wall of the room as it would a tree, seizing such spiders and insects as it was able to find. Other than this it would take no food, and was set at liberty.

In the stomach of one dissected were found small ants and a few minute coleopterous insects. In Florida it mates in January and nests in February. In the winter it seeks shelter in holes, as also in stormy weather. Mr. Audubon states that it occasionally feeds on grain and on small fruits. Some go to the ground to search for those that have fallen from trees. They are always found in pairs, and during the breeding-season are very pugnacious.

An egg of this species obtained near Wilmington,N. C., by Mr. N. Giles, measures .95 by .70 of an inch. It is pure white, appeared less glossy than the eggs of most Woodpeckers, and was of a more elliptical shape. Another egg of this bird sent to me by Mr. Samuel Pasco of Monticello,Fla., measures .98 by .70 of an inch, being even more oblong in shape, and correspondsalso in the absence of that brilliant polish so common in most Woodpeckers.

SubgenusXENOPICUS,Baird.

Xenopicus,Baird,Birds N. Am.1858, 83. (Type,Leuconerpes albolarvatus,Cass.)

Xenocraugus,Cab. & Hein.Mus. Hein. IV, 2, 1863, 74. (Same type.)

This section ofPicusis not appreciably different in form fromPicus villosus, which may be taken as the American type of the genusPicus. The plumage appears softer, however, and the uniformly black body with white head and white patch at base of primaries will readily distinguish it from any allied group.

Picus albolarvatus,Baird.

WHITE-HEADED WOODPECKER.

Leuconerpes albolarvatus,Cassin,Pr. A. N. Sc. V, Oct.1850, 106 (California).Bonap.Consp. Zyg. At. Ital.1854, 10.Melanerpes albolarvatus,Cassin,J. A. N. Sc.2dseries,II, Jan.1853, 257,pl. xxii.—Newberry,Zoöl. Cal. and Oreg.Route, 9,Rep. P. R. R. VI, 1857.Picus (Xenopicus) albolarvatus,Baird,Birds N. Am.1858, 96.—Cassin,Pr. A. N. Sc.1863, 202.—Lord,Pr. R. Art. Ins. IV, 1864, 112 (Ft.Colville; nesting).—Cooper & Suckley, 160.—Elliot, BirdsN. Am. IX, plate.Picus albolarvatus,Sundevall,Consp. Pic.29.—Cooper,Orn. Cal. I, 1870, 382.Xenocraugus albolarvatus,Cab. & Hein.Mus. Hein. IV, 2, 1863, 74.Xenopicus albolarvatus,Elliot,Illust. Birds Am. I, pl. xxix.

Back to Index Next