HUMMING-BIRDS. 



113 



resemblance to the scansorial insectivorous birds, be- 

 ing in fact nearly similar in their formation to those 

 of the woodpeckers. The os hyoides passes round 

 the back part of the skull, and its horns, or extre- 

 mities, when joined, reach forward beyond -the line 

 of the eyes. 



The tongue is very long, and by the structure of its 

 parts above mentioned, is retractile, and capable of 

 being darted out with considerable force. It is com- 

 posed, according to Brisson and Lesson, (which we 

 have confirmed as far as the examination of the moist- 

 ened parts would allow,) of two muscular tubes joined 

 together for the greater part of their length ; towards 





the tip, broadened or swelling, and, according to 

 Lesson, terminated in a spoonlike point on the up- 



