44 WOODLANDERS AND FIELD FOLK 



up its feathers, and makes a show of being terrible 

 indeed. It is from this habit of hissing, and also 

 probably from the fact of its long tongue, that it 

 has gained the name of snake-bird. Its specific 

 name of wryneck it has from a curious habit of roll- 

 ing its head, which gives it at times a curiously 

 deformed appearance; and its pencilled markings, 

 running in lines, help to heighten the effect. The 

 structure of the wryneck has much in common with 

 the wood-peckers. It has long, f sharp claws and a 

 stiffened tail, both of which enable it to climb the 

 rugged bark of trees. Its long, horny-tipped tongue 

 it thrusts out after the manner of the wood-pecker, 

 and, aided by a glutinous secretion, secures ants, 

 their eggs, and numerous other insects. These it 

 draws into its mouth so rapidly as to elude the eye in 

 attempting to follow it. When the insects do not 

 show themselves on the outside, it digs with its 

 strong bill and disinters them in large quantities. 

 It is the search for food of this kind that induces it to 

 come much to the ground ; and in this connection we 

 may mention yet another provincial name, that of 

 emmet-hunter. When in search of ground insects 

 it jumps along, with tail elevated, in a most peculiar 

 manner; though on these occasions it is never found 

 far from its retreat. It flies heavily, with an un- 

 gainly and undulatory flight, and usually alights at 

 the bottom of some tree. 



