120 The Bird 
the nests consisted entirely of half-digested seaweed, but 
it has been proved that this is not the case. The homes 
of these birds are the “edible birds’-nests” held in such 
esteem by Chinese gourmands. 
The Tongue 
If we had a long series of birds’ tongues before us, 
we would be surprised at the great variety of shapes and 
sizes. Observing the good-sized tongues of sparrows and 
other small birds, we would turn to a pelican expecting 
to see an enormous affair to correspond with the huge bill 
of that bird. On the contrary we will find a tiny incon- 
spicuous flap not larger round than a toothpick. This 
reminds us of the condition of the tongue in some fishes, 
where it is a very simple structure indeed. The king- 
fisher also has a small tongue, and the same is true of 
many other fish-eating birds, such as pelicans and most 
of those which feed on large insects. The reason is ob- 
vious. The food, which is swallowed whole, is of such 
large size that a tongue of even moderate proportions 
would be only in the way. 
The tongues of many birds are provided with oblique 
series of teeth, either soft and fleshy or horny in struc- 
ture, which point backward toward the gullet and must 
be of great help to the bird in guiding and swallowing its 
food. These teeth are especially abundant around the 
glottis, or opening to the windpipe, guarding it from 
chafing or from the chance of food choking it up. 
In ducks and geese we find tongues large and of com- 
plicated appearance. The edges are often toothed or 
