1977 Walter D. Koenig 27 Melanerpes formicivorus 4 July (4 July) roost there, but as far as I could tell nobody even roosted in the nest hole, despite the clear indication that one or more birds visited the nest while I was hitting away from it! I suppose I have to assume that at this stage (17 days) the 4 of them are able to pretty much thermoregulate for themselves. In any case I'll have to watch next chance I get to make sure. 5 July 1000. Measured the kits, all of whom have lost some weight since last time. Developmentally, all feathers are now thru their sheaths, tarsi, legs, upper mandibles are dark. (lower mandible still darkening; egg tooth and lower mandibular folds (x<>) still barely present; tummy still quite bare but back is pretty well covered when bird is huddled. Ears still visible but nearly covered with feathers now. Neck still bare except for 'prickles' 7 July 1000. Measured the kits, only 3 of whom remain (no trace could be found of the rent in or below the nest). A tiny bit of egg tooth remains on the upper mandible, and the folds are still barely present. Tarsi, toes, upper + lower mandibles are quite dark. The kits were not randomly rasping for the 1st time when I came to the nest. They can hitch up quite well now on a rough surface. The only conspicuous remaining bare spots on their bodies are on their belly ( ) and their chins to their Bare - Vent eyes, which still have more prickles for feathers. Their backs are covered completely. They were collared and returned at 1115.