114 



HABITS OF BIRDS. 



fected ; and accordingly we often see cagebirds con- 

 tent themselves with wetting their heads, without 

 touching the rest of the body. They may also be 

 frequently seen combing or scratching their heads 

 with their claws, no doubt with a similar design. 

 This circumstance has given rise to a curious dis- 

 cussion concerning the intended use of the claws of 

 some species, among which are the nightjar and 

 the herons, that are furnished with small teeth like 

 a saw or comb. 



Night Heron 



