Canadian Woodpecker

“This species, which has been overlooked by all the recent writers on the birds of North America, although described and figured by Buffon, I again introduce to your notice . . . The most southern localities in which this species has been observed in the United States, in so far as I have been able to trace it, whether personally or by means of my friend Dr Trudeau, are the northern portions of the State of Pennsylvania, in winter, where, however, it seems to be rare. . . . It was in the course of my journey through the State of Maine, on which I was accompanied by my wife and sons, that I became aware of its being distinct from the Hairy Woodpecker. There I found it very abundant in the woods, around the farms, by the roads, and on the fences. Its notes alone suffice to distinguish it from every other species, being louder and much shriller than those of Picus villosus.”

John James Audubon, Birds of America (New York: J.J. Audubon; Philadelphia: J. B. Chevalier, 1840-1844), vol. 4, p. 235.