CHAPTER XI 



HEADS AND NECKS 



HE head of a bird is indeed a wonderful object, 

 when we consider its comparatively small size 

 and yet realize that it contains the brain, as 

 well as being the seat of the five senses. It also sup- 

 ports that most important organ the beak, which, as we 

 have seen, takes the place of hands and tools in the life 

 of its owner. 



Of expression, with the exception of that caused by 

 raising its feathers, the bird has but little; although 

 fear, that emotion which must needs be expressed all too 

 often in the life of these timid and comparatively de- 

 fenceless creatures, is made apparent by the dilating 

 eyes and the open, panting beak. The only exception 

 which comes to mind is the Crowned Crane, Fig. 206, 

 the suffusing of whose bare, white cheeks indicates the 

 changing emotions. Perhaps the best index is to be 

 found in the crest, which we will find to be developed to 

 a very remarkable degree. 



The eyes of most birds are placed at the sides of the 

 head, in such a position that the bird cannot bring both 

 to bear simultaneously upon the same object, but is com- 

 pelled to turn its head and look sideways. As birds 



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