82 
THE WRYNECK. 
these birds is almost as hard and sharp as a thorn, 
and drawn out, it will be found to extend to the 
length of several inches. The use of this remark- 
THE WRYNECK. 
able instrument is, that by being darted suddenly 
out, it may transfix, or pin through, any distant 
insect, which is immediately swallowed, by the bird's 
having the power of as rapidly drawing it back. 
The Wryneck, though a migratory bird, may how- 
ever be kept alive for a longer time than the 
Cuckoo : we knew an instance of one which lived 
a year and a half in a cage, and never appeared to 
show impatience during its confinement; it was 
observed always to take its food by throwing out its 
long tongue. 
