168 THE HUMAN SIDE OF BIRDS 



The motmot of Central America possesses an ex- 

 tra equipment for his toilette in a very peculiarly 

 formed beak, edged like a saw, and this he uses to 

 advantage. It is especially convenient for his bar- 

 ber work. He deliberately trims the feathers of his 

 tail to the predominating style of his race. His 

 barbering is so neatly done that to the uninitiated 

 his shapely feathers are supposed to have grown in 

 their attractive lines; but it is all his own skilful 

 work. And the rest of his toilette is made with 

 equal art and pains. 



The night- jar and the heron possess still another 

 tool on the claw of the third toe, which is toothed 

 or serrated, and this they use most efficiently in the 

 care of their plumage. It is a real comb, being 

 roughly the same shape. 



One of the strangest of all birds is the hoatzin, a 

 native of the Amazon Valley. This creature has 

 thumbs, which are used not only in making its toi- 

 lette, but in climbing as well. The hoatzin is the 

 "missing link" between birds and reptiles. Its 

 wings were originally forefeet or hands, like those 

 of the lizard, and to-day its wing joint still has a 

 thumb and two fingers. By means of these it climbs 

 around in trees, and rarely, if ever, comes to the 

 ground. It is usually found in low bushes or trees 



