CROSSBILLS. 



515 



larvae of the Q5stri ; thej^ feed also upon tie wood-bug and locusts : 

 hence they are likewise called Locust Hunters. They generally 

 unite in small flocks of six or eight. They are very wild, and 

 take flight with a sharp cry of alarm on any one approaching 

 their haunts. 



Among the congeners of the Beef-eater may be placed the 

 CoLius (Briss. and Linn.), which, like that bird, is an inhabitant 

 of Africa. They are small, about the size and shape of the 

 Yellow-hammer, and have a tuft on the head. They live in 

 flocks of from twelve to twenty, which nest in common, and 

 feed on fruit and yotmg birds. According to Levaillant, they 

 creep on the branches of trees, with the head downwards ; and, 

 strange to say, even sleep in this peculiar i30sition, pressing one 

 against the other. Their flesh is said to be very delicate. 



Fig. 224. — Crossbills [Loxia cttrvirostra, Linn 



The Crossbills (Loxiadce) are remarkable for the form of their 

 bill, the mandibles being compressed and recurved, crossing 

 each other in contrary directions, the terminations being hooked, 

 forming an instrument admirably adapted for dividing the scales of 

 fir-cones so as to disclose the germs, which are favourite portions 

 of their food. They are sometimes found near orchards, feeding 



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