401. Picoides americanus. 8 3/4 inches.

Back barred with white; outer tail feathers barred with black; yellow crown patch on male mixed with white. Except on some of the higher mountain ranges these birds appear in the United States only during winter. They are very hardy and commence nesting before snow leaves.

Note. - A shrill, loud, nasal shriek, sometimes repeated.

Nest. - In holes of trees as is usual with Woodpeckers. The white eggs measure .95 x .70.