The Woodpeckers

by Fannie Hardy Eckstorm

"The Woodpeckers" by Fannie Hardy Eckstorm is a natural history text written in the late 19th century. The book focuses specifically on the fascinating world of woodpeckers, exploring their characteristics, behaviors, and roles within the ecosystem. It serves as both a guide for identifying various species of woodpeckers and an invitation to observe these unique birds more closely in their natural habitats. At the start of the book, the author introduces the concept of nature as a series of riddles to be solved, much like the ancient Sphinx. Eckstorm aims to demystify the world of woodpeckers, providing readers with practical knowledge on how to recognize them by their distinctive silhouettes, colors, and behaviors. The opening portion covers key identifying traits of woodpeckers, such as their clinging posture and unique characteristics of their bills and feet, setting the stage for a thorough exploration of their ecological importance and intriguing habits that will follow in subsequent chapters.