CHAPTER XI 
HEADS AND NECKS 
HE head of a bird is indeed a wonderful object, 
when we consider its comparatively small size 
and yet realize that it contains the brain, as 
well as being the seat of the five senses. It also sup- 
ports that most important organ the beak, which, as we 
have seen, takes the place of hands and tools in the life 
of its owner. 
Of expression, with the exception of that caused by 
raising its feathers, the bird has but little; although 
fear, that emotion which must needs be expressed all too 
often in the life of these timid and comparatively de- 
fenceless creatures, is made apparent by the dilating 
eyes and the open, panting beak. The only exception 
which comes to mind is the Crowned Crane, Fig. 206, 
the suffusing of whose bare, white cheeks indicates the 
changing emotions. Perhaps the best index is to be 
found in the crest, which we will find to be developed to 
a very remarkable degree. 
The eyes of most birds are placed at the sides of the 
head, in such a position that the bird cannot bring both 
to bear simultaneously upon the same object, but is com- 
pelled to turn its head and look sideways. As _ birds 
252 
