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TEXTBOOK OF ZOOLOGY 



any birds. They feed on nectar from flowers. The chimney swifts 

 are universally distributed. They have a short bill, broad mouth, 

 short tail with terminal stiff quills, and long', pointed wings. They 

 nest in chimneys, caves, hollow trees and on cliffs, in nests made of 

 twigs and leaves glued together with adhesive saliva. Some forms 

 make the nest entirely from saliva and in China these nests are eaten 

 by man. 







Fig-. 315. — Mocking-bird, Mivius polyglottos leucopterus. One of the most common 

 birds of the South and Southwest. (Drawn by Edward O'Malley.) 



Coraciiformes (Kingfishers). — This group is represented by the 

 belted kingfisher, Ceryle alcyon, which breeds from northern Canada 

 to the Gulf States. It lives along streams and near ponds to dart 

 down and catch a fish at every opportunity. They nest in holes in a 

 bank, usually four to six feet deep. 



Piciformes (Woodpeckers). — These are arboreal (tree living) birds 

 with stout beaks for boring holes in tree trunks. They feed largely 

 on wood-boring insects, their larvae, and ants. The tongue can be 

 extended some distance beyond the bill in capturing prey. The tail 

 feathers are stiff and are used to prop the animal against the tree 

 while it is working. The flicker (yellowhammer), Colaptes auratus, 



