530 WEB-FOOTED BIRDS. 



analogous to those which take place in U. grylle, which continue 

 until the succeeding June. In the young the bill is more slender. 



Subgenus. — Mergulus. Ray, Bonap., &c. 



With the bill very short, a little curved, conic-convex, nearly as 

 broad as high ; both mandibles notched at the tip ; the upper one 

 grooved; nostrils basal, semicircular; tongue thick and entire. 

 Wings shorter than the tail; the 1st and 2d primaries about equal . 

 The outer and middle toes of the same length. 



This is the smallest race of the Natural Order to which it pro- 

 perly belongs. Their flight is rapid and long sustained, notwith- 

 standing the shortness of the wings ; they proceed as much in the 

 air as in the water ; and walk also better than the other species. 

 They breed in society, and lay but a single bluish- white egg. Their 

 food consists principally of small Crustacea, which they collect some- 

 times under the tongue. 



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