146 KINGFISHER TRIBE. 



prey. Its bill, however, is so slender, that it is not 

 able, like those birds, to peck holes in any wood except 

 such as is in a decayed state. The name of Wryneck has 

 been derived from the very singular contortions which 

 it makes of its head and neck, especially when terrified. 

 These it is able to move as far as the shoulders ; and, 

 when the bird is sitting upon her eggs, or with her young 

 ones, in the hole of a tree, the motions she thus makes, 

 added to her speckled colour, give her so much the ap- 

 pearance, at first sight, of the head and front parts of a 

 serpent, that almost all animals would be intimidated, 

 and prevented from attempting to seize her. The eggs of 

 these birds are white, and have so thin a shell, that the 

 yolk may be seen through it. The nest is formed of dry 

 grass; and the young ones are sometimes nine and up- 

 wards, in number, Wrynecks are solitary birds. About 

 the month of September they retire from this country, 

 and do not return until towards the latter end of March. 

 Their voice is a quickly-repeated squeak, not much un- 

 like that of the kestril. 



This bird is somewhat larger than a lark. Its plumage 

 is marked with different shades of brown, very elegantly 

 blended together. The belly is of a reddish-white co- 

 lour marked with blackish spots. The tail-feathers are 

 waved with black spots, streaks, and bars. The bill is 

 roundish and slightly curved. The tongue is long, slen- 

 der, and sharp and hard at the point. 



13. KINGFISHER TRIBE. 



The birds which compose the present tribe are dis- 

 persed over nearly all the countries of the globe. They 

 form their nests in the banks of rivers, lakes, or streams, 

 and subsist principally on fish. 



