196 HISTORY OF 



This bird is only found in the warm climates of 

 South America, where it is in great request both 

 for the delicacy of its flesh, which is tender and 

 nourishing, and for the beauty of its plumage, 

 particularly the feathers of the breast. The skin 

 of this part the Indians pluck off, and, when dry, 

 glue to their cheeks ; and this they consider as 

 an irresistible addition to their beauty. 



CHAPTER IV. 



OF THE WOODPECKER, AND ITS AFFINITIES, 



WE now come to the numerous tribe of Wood* 

 peckers a class easily distinguished from all 

 others, both by their peculiar formation, their 

 method of procuring food, and their manner of 

 providing a place of safety for their young. In- 

 deed, no other class of birds seems more imme- 

 diately formed for the method of life they pursue, 

 being fitted by nature at all points for the pecu- 

 liarity of their condition. They live chiefly upon 

 the insects contained in the body of trees ; and 

 for this purpose are furnished with a straight, 

 hard, strong, angular and sharp bill, made for 

 piercing and boring. They have a tongue of a 

 very great length, round, ending in a sharp, 

 stiff, bony thorn, dentated on each side, to strike 

 ants and insects when dislodged from their cells. 

 Their legs are short and strong, for the purposes 



