The Massachusetts spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1831-1858, 1832-01-04

CARPENTER BIRDS. These birds form a
distinct class by themselves OF these The
woodpeckers may be said 10 be the masters
especially those distinguished by the ivory
oiu. Were we merely to judge from the
bill alone, we Should be disposed to consid-
eI the ivory billed woodpecker (picus pm
etPa'ts) the prince of the carpenter birds.
This powerful instrument is as white and
much tougher. if not harder, than ivory.
and elegantly fnted. With this he can dig
into the hardest trees, either for food or
nesting. In the low countries Of the Caro-
llnas, this bird usually prefers the large
tlmbered cyprus swamps for breeding in :
and in the trunk of one of these trees, at a
considerable height, the male and female
alternately, and in conjunction, dig out a
large and capaclous Cavity for their eggs
and young Trees thus dug out have fire.
qdently been cut down with sometimes the
eggs and young in them; the hole being
said to be generally little winding, the
better to keep out the weather, and from
two to five feet deep. Tie labor Of dig
ging out hole of such dimensions may he
considered almost beyond the execution of
these birds; but, when we consider some of
their other feats in carpentry, the fact does
not appear in the least surprising. Wilson
gives the following interesting history OF
enc which he captured =" The place."
says he, !" observed this bird at when on
my way to the South, was about twelve
miles north Of Wilmington, in North Caro-
lima. This bird was only wounded slight
ly in the wing, and, on being caught. utter
ed loud, reiterated, and most piteous
note, exactly resembling the violent CRYING
OF young child, which terrified nv horse
SO as nearly to have cost me my life !
carried it with me, IN the chair under cover,
to Wilmington. In passing through the
streets. It's affecting cries surprised every
one within hearing, particularly the fe-
males, who hurried to the door and win
dows, with looks of alarm and anxiety.
drove on, and arriving at the piazza of the
hotel where intended to put up, the land
lord came forward, and number of persons
who happened to be there, all equally
alarmed at what they heard. This was
greatly increased, by my asking whether
he could furnish me with accommodations
for myself and baby. The man looked
blank and foolish, while the others stared
with still greater establishment. After di-
verting myself minute or two at their eX-
pense, drew my woodpecker from under
the cover, and general laugh took place.
| took HIM up stairs and locked him up in
my room while | went to see my horse
taken care of In less than an hour re-
turned, and on operng the door, he sat up
the same distressing shout, which nov ap-
peared to proceed fro4 grief that he had
been discovered in his attempts to escape.
He had mounted along the side of the win
RI Irh he al
below which ne had began to break through.
The bed was covered with large pieces of
plaster, the lath, was exposed for at least
fifteen inches square, and a hole large
enough to admit the fist opened TO the
weather boards; so that in less than anoth-
er hour he would have succeeded in max
ing his way through. now tied string
round his leg, and fastening it to the table,
again left him. | wished to preserve his
life, and had gone off in search of suitable
food for him. AS | re-ascended the stairs.
| heard him at work, and on entering, had
the modification to perceive that he had al
most entirely ruined the mahogany table to
which he was fastened, on which he had
wreaked his whole vengeance. While On
gagged in taking drawing of him, he cut
me severely in several places, and on the
whole, displayed such noble and uncon-
querable spirit that | was frequently tempt
ed TO restore him to his native woods.
He lived with me nearly three days, but re-
fused all sustenance, and ! witnessed his
death with regret. The head and bill of
this bird are greatly esteemed among the
Southern Indians, who wear them by way
Of amulet and charm, as well as ornament,
and, it is said, dispose of them to the north
ern tribes at considerable prices. An In
dian believes that the head, skin, or even
feathers of certain birds confer on the
wearer all the e%cellences of those birds,
thus | have seen coat made of the skins,
heads, and claws of the raven; caps stuck
round with heads of butcher-birds hawks.
and eagles; and, as the disposition and
courage of the rival woodpecker are well
known to the savages, no wonder that they
should attach great value to it, having both
beauty, and, in their estimation, distinguish
ed merit to recommend it,"
architecture Of Birds.