GREEN WOODPECKER.
GECINUS VIRIDIS {Linn.).
Picus viridis, Linn. S. N. i. p. 175 (1766); Naum. v. p. 270;
Macff. iii. p. 911 Hewitson, i. p. 239.
Gecimis viridis, Yarr. ed. 4, ii. p. 457; Dresser, v. p. 77.
Pic vert, French; Grünspecht, German; Pito real, Pito
verde, Spanish.
Although sad havoc has been worked upon this fine
species by dealers and their agents on account of its
bright plumage, I am glad to say that it is still tolerably
abundant in most of our wooded districts, becoming:
scarce in the northern counties of England, whilst in
Scotland and Ireland it is virtually unknown. In the
spring the Green Woodpecker announces his presence
by a loud laughing call, and has in some parts of the
country obtained the nickname of “ yaffle” from this
peculiarity, which is commonly supposed to foretell rain,
and certainly is more frequently to be heard in showery
than in fine weather. There is a restless energy and
determination in all the movements of Woodpeckers
that is very remarkable; whatever they do is evidently
done with all their mind and all their strength, and,
except when asleep, they are always active.