XENOPICUS ALBOLARYATUS.
WHITE-HEADED WO O D P E C K E R .
LEUCONERPES ALBOLARYATUS. Cass. Proc. Acad. Nat. Seien. (1850), p. 106.
MELANERPES ALBOLARYATUS. Cass. Jour. Acad. Nat. Seien. (1853), p. 257. pi. 22.
PICUS ALBOLARYATUS. Ba ird, B. of N. Am., p. 96.
XENOPICUS ALBOLARVATÜS. Baird, B. of N. Am., p . 83. Malli. Mon.
Picidfc, vol. ü . p. 222 (texte), pi. CL, fig. 314, vol. IV.
This very singular Woodpecker is a native of California, and other States on the Pacific. It was described by Mr. Cassis, who
gave to the species the appropriate name of Albolarvatus, or White-Masked, from the peculiar distribution of white over the head and
upper portions of the neck.
Mr. Jo h n G. B e l l discovered this species in California, near a place called Sutter’s Mill. He says: “ I shot this bird at the
Oregon Caion, near Georgetown, about twelve miles from Sutter’s Mill. It seemed to prefer the tall pine trees, and generally kept
very high. In habits it appeared very much like the P. Villosus. Its note is clear and sharp, and it is very active and lively in
its movements.
This Woodpecker seems to be very abundant in the vicinity of Port Crook, in California, where the late Capt. J . F e iln e r, U. S. A.,
procured many specimens, which he sent to the Smithsonian Institution. It is one of the most conspicuous in appearance of all
the woodpeckers inhabiting our territory, and, uutil lately, among the rarest.
Dead, throat, and upper portion of the breast-pure tehito. Occipital band, scarlet. Basal portion of the primaries, also rrhite.
All the rest of the plumage, black.
The female is same as the male, but without the scarlet band on the occiput. The figures are life-size.