82 



THE WRYNECK. 



these birds is almost as hard and sharp as a thorn, 

 and drawn out, it will be found to extend to the 

 length of several inches. The use of this remark- 

 able instrument is, that by being darted suddenly 



The Wryneck, 



out, it may transfix, or pin through, any distant 

 insect, which is immediately swallowed, by the bird's 

 having the power of as rapidly drawing it back. 

 The "Wryneck, though a migratory bird, may, how- 

 ever, be kept alive for a longer time than the 

 Cuckoo: we knew an instance of one which lived 

 ^ year and a half in a cage, and never appeared to 

 show impatience during its confinement; it was 

 observed always to take its food by throwing out its 

 long tongue. 



