The Food of Birds 



'45 



satisfied. As a result the narrow, sliaft-Hke feathers of 

 the forehead frequently become saturated and stained 

 with juice and dusted over with pollen, and it is probable 

 that this bird plays an important part in the cross-fer- 

 tilization of several species of pro tea." 



Desmids and diatoms, those one-celled microscopic 

 organisms which are almost on the border-line between 



FOOD OF \'AK1UI'S BIRDS. 



Fig. 110. — Sea-urchin. 



plants and animals, I have found in laro^e numbers in 

 the digestive tracts of ducks and other l)irds which are 

 accustomed to find their food by sifting the mud at the 

 edges of ponds and lakes. 



Sponges, at least in a decayng state, are devoured by 

 crows, as I can testify from observation after dredging 

 expeditions in the Bay of Fundy. 



