PYGOPODES OR DIVERS. 



20? 



SUB-SECTION XV. 

 THE ORDER OF PYGOPODES OR DIVERS. 



THE Pygopodes are natatorial birds which are more per- 

 fectly adapte'd for a strictly aquatic life than any of the 

 groups which we have already described. They swim and 

 dive with the greatest ease. And they move under water 

 apparently with as great ease as upon the surface ; and in 

 moving beneath the surface of the water they use the 

 wings as well as the feet. 



The Pygopodes are the Loons, Grebes, Auks, etc., birds 

 which have the feet placed very far back ; and hence the 

 name of the order, from the Greek words pitye, rump, and 

 pom, ]>odos, a foot. The legs of these birds are placed so 

 far back that they are obliged to stand nearly upright 

 when on the ground, and they walk with great difficulty. 



The Loons or Colymbidre have the bill stout, long. 



FIG. 243. 



Great Northern Diver, or Loon, Colymlus torquatus, Briimiich. 



straight, and pointed ; and the nostrils linear, with their 

 upper edge lobed. The common Loon or Great Northern 



