THE WRYNECK. 269 



habits and formation in many respects resemble those of the 

 Woodpecker, particularly its tongue, which well deserves 

 examination. On opening the mouth of either of these birds, 

 the tongue appears neither larger nor longer than the usual 

 size ; but if taken hold of by the tip, which in these birds is 

 almost as hard and sharp as a thorn, and drawn out, it will be 

 found to extend to the length of several inches. The use of 

 this remarkable instrument is that, by being darted suddenly 



The Wryneck. 



out, it may transfix, or pin through, any distant insect, which 

 is immediately swallowed, by the bird's having the power of 

 as rapidly drawing it back. The Wryneck, though a migra- 

 tory bird, may, however, be kept alive for a longer time than 

 the Cuckoo : we knew an instance of one which lived a year 

 and a half in a cage, and never appeared to show impatience 

 during its confinement ; it was observed always to take its 

 food by throwing out its long tongue. 



TABLE XVI. (See page 16.) 

 ORDER 3. TRIBE 2. LEVIROSTRAL (Light-beaked). 

 Here we have no less than eight genera of birds, not one of 

 which inhabits our country and, with the exception of the 



