PICID^E, OR WOODPECKERS; WRYNECK. 



471 



FIG. 266. WOODPECKER. 



and is moistened with a glutinous saliva. These Birds are 

 generally distributed through both Hemi- 

 spheres ; but are most abundant in the 

 warmer regions, though some live on 

 the borders of the frigid zone. Their 

 residence is in the forests, where they 

 live solitarily, avoiding the society of 

 their own species. They nestle in 

 holes dug by themselves in decayed 

 trees; and deposit their eggs at the 

 bottom, usually without interposing 

 anything between them and the wood. 

 Four species are found in Britain, of 

 which one seems to be an occasional 

 visitant. The family contains nume- 

 rous other genera, more or less varying in structure and habits 

 from the true Woodpeckers, and distributed over the whole 

 surface of the globe. Some of these live principally on the 

 ground ; and feed on ants, &c. Among them we may mention, 

 as a native of Britain, the Wryneck, which has a broad soft tail, 

 instead of a stiff one. Though its plumage is not brilliant, it 

 is one of the most beautiful of British Birds ; being of elegant 

 form, and having its colours disposed in a curiously-intricate 

 manner. In its general conformation, it bears a strong resem- 

 blance to the Cuckoo ; but it agrees with the Woodpecker in 

 the extensibility of the tongue, and in the mode in which it is 

 used for capturing insects. Its name is derived from its curious 

 habit of twisting its neck, with a very odd gesture, when 

 alarmed. Ant-hills are its favourite resort; for these supply 

 it copiously with the food of which it is most fond. 



425. The [family CucuLiD^E, or Cuckoo tribe, consists of a 

 rather extensive series of Birds, for the most part inhabitants 

 of the warmer regions of the globe, and none permanently 

 residing in countries subject to severe winter cold. They have 

 a slightly-arched compressed beak, and a long rounded tail ; 

 their wings are usually of moderate length, and they fly with 

 rapidity ; their tarsi are short, and their feet rather adapted for 



