4 66 



THE BIRDS 



XVI. 21 



Fig. 279. Various bird beaks. 



1, Merganser; 2, Flamingo; 3, Shoveller; 4, Scissor-bill (adult); 5, Scissor-bill (young); 

 6, Anastomus; 7, Hornbill; 8, Hummingbird; 9, Avocet; 10, Parrot; 11, Parrot; 12, Spoon- 

 bill; 13, Crossbill; 14, Nightjar; 15, Eagle; 16, Balaeniceps. (From Pycraft, A History of 

 Birds, Methuen & Co., Ltd.) 



very powerful, though, of course, formidable in carnivores. Having 

 completely lost the teeth, the birds must rely largely on internal 

 processes to break up the food. The beak is, however, characteristically 

 modified according to the food habits (Fig. 279). There is very great 

 variety in the feeding, as in so much of the life of birds, and though 

 many species keep strictly to one diet others are able to adapt them- 

 selves to the food available. The ingenuity and persistence with which 

 birds seek and collect food must be a main factor in their success. 



Many birds with a moderately long bill, such as the song-thrush 

 (Turdus), can eat either flesh (snails, earthworms, or caterpillars) or 



