434 



FAMILY FUING1LLID.<E ; CROSSBILL. COLIDJ2. 



FIG. 235. HEAD OF CROSSBILL. 



peculiar conformation of the bill, which is represented in the 



accompanying figure. The use of 

 this singular structure, which might 

 be at first deemed an imperfection, 

 becomes evident when the habits of 

 the Bird are watched. Its principal 

 food consists of the seed of the Pine 

 and Fir, which is concealed beneath 

 the hard scales of which their cones 

 are formed. In order to extract 

 them, the Bird fixes itself across the 

 cone ; and then, bringing together the 

 points of the mandibles (which are 

 much compressed), it insinuates them 

 beneath the scales of the cone. When this has been accom- 

 plished, the Bird separates the mandibles, not by opening the 

 beak in the usual way, but by drawing the lower mandible 

 sideways, which it is enabled to do by a peculiar arrangement 

 of muscles : when the scale has thus been raised up, the tongue 

 is brought forwards ; and a peculiar horny scoop, with which 

 it is furnished, is directed beneath the seed, which is dislodged 

 and carried to the mouth. The common Crossbill breeds 

 in this country, but is much more abundant in the large pine 

 forests of Germany, Sweden and Norway ; and vast flocks are 

 not unfrequently driven thence by the severity of the winter, to 

 find shelter in the southern parts of Britain. It feeds upon other 

 seeds, as well as those of the Pine and Fir ; and shows the enor- 

 mous strength of its bill (its small size being considered), in 

 extracting the kernel from the hard shell. When placed in a 

 cage, it shows great restlessness and impatience ; and exhibits 

 much dexterity in drawing forth the ends of the wires from the 

 woodwork, so as to set itself free. 



391. The family of COLID^, or Colics, entirely consists of 

 African Birds, which dwell in bushes and thickets, living in 

 flocks, and feeding on fruits and buds. They are bad fliers, and 

 do not walk well on the ground ; but run along the branches of 

 trees with facility. They are chiefly characterised by the form of 



