148 SYNOPSIS AND ALPHABETICAL INDEX 
keeps close to the bark, often protruding its long silvery 
tongue into the crevices (Snake bird, Tongue bird). 
If excited or alarmed, it wriggles its head quickly and 
in all directions (whence its name), erects the feathers 
on its head, and expands its tail. Male and female 
much alike. Migratory: Arrives early in April, and 
leaves in September. Flight: Heavy, undulating, and 
only from tree to tree. Food: Insects, etc., found 
in bark, or ants, caterpillars, etc., on the ground. 
(Here a good dog may sometimes catch one.) Nest: 
In April. Situated : Ina hole ina tree, or the deserted 
hole of a woodpecker. Made of: grass, wool, hair, 
decayed wood, etc. The birds often return to the same 
nesting hole for several years in succession. Eggs : 
Pure white. Vary in number from five, eight, nine o1 
even twelve. 
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