296 



ZOOLOGY. 



436. The tongue in some birds becomes an instrument 

 of prehension, and is modified accordingly. The lingual bones 

 (k, Fig. 247) are prolonged backwards behind the head, and 

 these prolongations give attachment to muscles (m), found 



Fig. 243. The Sparrow. 



Fig. 244. Kingfisher. 



anteriorly to the lower jaw. When these muscles contract, 

 they pull forward the hyoid or lingual bones, and these 

 push the tongue out of the mouth to a considerable dis- 



iir. 21."). The Pelican. 



tance. This structure is most remarkable in the woodpecker, 

 and in others which dart the tongue rapidly at insects (Fig. 



