J04 YUNX TORQLILLA. 



to Torquilla and Torticollis. AVhcn surprised in its nest, it is 

 described as making a hissing noise, which some compare to 

 that of a Turkey-cock, others to that of a snake, erecting the 

 feathers of its head, which it moves to either side, stretching it- 

 self at full length, and sometimes so frightening the intruder 

 as to make its escape. It has thus obtained the names of 

 Snake-bird and Turkey-bird. 



The nest is merely the rounded bottom of a cavity or hole 

 in a tree, which the bird adapts to its purpose by means of its 

 bill, the small chips of wood answering in place of straw or 

 feathers. The eggs, which are generally seven or eight in 

 number, are pure white, ten twelfths of an inch in length, and 

 seven twelfths in their greatest breadth. 



" The Wryneck," says M. Manduyt, " is remarkable for the 

 habit which has given it its name, that of twisting the neck 

 with a slow undulatory movement, like that of a snake, turn- 

 ing its head back and closing its eyes. When caught, it never 

 ceases this motion, which it also performs when at liberty, and 

 even the young, while yet in the nest, have the sameUiabit. 

 If one should go near a male Wryneck confined in a cage, it 

 immediately ruffles up the feathers of its head, spreads out those 

 of the tail and raises them, advances and retires, striking the 

 bottom of the cage with its bill." 



It is said to be generally distributed on the Continent, and 

 to be common among the Himalayan Mountains. 



Young. — The young when fledged are coloured in the same 

 manner as their parents. 



