248 



FIRST LESSONS IN ZOOLOGY 



the flat, lamellate bill of the ducks; they scoop up mud 

 and water and strain their food from it. Note the firm, 

 chisel- like bill (fiy. 201) of the woodpeckers ; they bore 

 into hard wood for insects. Note the peculiarly crossed 

 mandibles of the cross-bills ; they tear open pine cones 

 for seeds. Note the long, sharp, slender bill of the hum- 



■ <«6 



m 



Fig. 202. — Screech-owl, Mcgascops asio. (Photograph hy A. L. Princeton; 

 permission of IVIacmillan Co.) 



ming-birds ; the}' get insects from the bottom of flower- 

 cups. Note the bill and foot of any bird }-ou examine, 

 and see if you can recognize their special adaptation to 

 the habits of the bird. 



The most casual observation of birds reveals differences 

 in the flight of different kinds so characteristic and dis- 

 tinctive as to give much aid in determining the identit)' 

 of birds in nature. Note the flight of the woodpeckers; 

 it identifies them unmistakabl}- in the air. Note the 



