CLIMBING BIRDS. 163 
The Toucan seems to be omnivorous, but is very fond of 
mice and small birds, which it kills by a powerful squeeze 
of its bill. When sleeping, it takes special care of its 
bill, packing it away among its feathers, so that the bird 
presents the appearance of a great feathery ball. 
267. The Woodpeckers, so appropriately named, are 
widely diffused, being found in all quarters of the globe 
except Australia. There are eight species in this coun- 
try. They live on insects and grubs, which they bore for 
in the bark and wood of trees. In Fig. 134 you have the 
attitude of the Woodpecker as he bores. The bill is 
Fig. 184.—Woodpecker. 
long, sharp, and stout; and with his powerful feet he 
holds on firmly, while he drives in his bill with all the 
force which his body can give to it. The sound produced 
by this operation is very much like that of a watchman’s 
rattle. When an insect or grub is reached by this bor- 
ing, it is drawn out by the tongue, which is specially 
adapted to do this. It is very long, and its sharp point 
is barbed with several filaments, and has upon it a gum- 
