OX-PECKERS. 



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these larvae ; it is short and stout, and inflated towards its extremity. The 

 cattle are said to submit with exemplary patience to the operation, as if aware 

 of the benefit to be derived from it. The ox-pecker measures between eight 

 and nine inches in length ; it lives in small bands, consisting of seven or eight 

 individuals, and is very shy. 



Besides the larva; of the breeze-fly, for which they show a decided pre- 

 ference, these birds cat all kinds of insects, bird-lice, and similar creatures. 



This family, the affinities of which are not very clear, though in some points 

 they resemble the starlings, contains only one genus, and we believe that 

 only two species are known, both natives of Africa and neighbouring isles. 

 Their attentions, notwithstanding the name they bear, arc by no means con- 

 fined to oxen, as they perform the same kind office for camels and the 

 heavy antelopes. Fixed on their back by means of its " cramp-irons of claws," 

 the " Pique-boeuf," as it is generally called, speedily relieves them of their 

 unwelcome occupants, and doubtless saves them from much and prolonged 

 suffering. 



