Wilson was evidently familiar with this vernal drumming of the
woodpeckers, but quite misinterprets it. Speaking of the red-bellied
species, he says: "It rattles like the rest of the tribe on the dead
limbs, and with such violence as to be heard in still weather more than
half a mile off; and listens to hear the insect it has alarmed."
He listens rather to hear the drum of his rival or the brief and coy
response of the female; for there are no insects in these dry limbs.
On one occasion I saw downy at his drum when a female flew quickly
through the tree and alighted a few yards beyond him. He paused
instantly, and kept his place, apparently without moving a muscle.
The female, I took it, had answered his advertisement. She flitted
about from limb to limb (the female may be known by the absence of the
crimson spot on the back of the head), apparently full of business of
her own, and now and then would drum in a shy, tentative manner.
The male watched her a few moments and, convinced perhaps that she
meant business, struck up his liveliest tune, then listened for her
response.
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