I'm not one of the three-toed Woodpeckers, either, that Mr. Red-belly was so anxious to tell you about. It's very strange how eager some people are to talk about other people's imperfections. I have four toes, two in front and two behind, so it isn't "sour grapes" that leads me to speak as I do. I'll admit my feet are peculiar, my toes assisting me in clinging to an upright surface, and my pointed stiff tail-feathers serving to prop me up when resting.
I think I am very fortunate, too, in having such a stout, chisel-like bill, and such a horny, spear-like tongue. With the first I cut away wood and explore the hiding place of grubs; with the latter I impale them and draw the food out. Dear, dear! How fearfully and wonderfully we are made, to be sure—birds as well as men.
Sing! No, wish I could. But then I have a love-song which my mate thinks is fine; 'tis a long, rolling call, which I beat with my bill.
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| From col. Chi. Acad. Sciences. | IVORY-BILLED WOODPECKER. ½ Life-size. | Copyright by Nature Study Pub. Co., 1898, Chicago. |
THE SPARROW HAWK.
Killy-killy-killy-killy!
That's my song and I don't sing it very low either. It is for that reason some people call me the Killy Hawk.