CHARACTERS OF THE ORDERS. 9 



The Mersatores are birds of less compact form, light- 

 ness, and even buoyancy, as well as strength, being essential 

 to their nature. Their plumage is of looser texture and more 

 bulky. Their long wings are fitted for a light, gliding, 

 bounding flight, very unlike the straightforward, laboured, 

 though quick aerial progression of the Urinatores. They sit 

 lightly on the water, swim, though not rapidly, but are in- 

 capable of diving, and never enter into the deep other- 

 wise than momentarily by plunging or dipping. The larger 

 species are in a measure omnivorous, in so far as regards 

 animal food ; the smaller feed chiefly on small fishes and 

 Crustacea. They usually nestle on the ground, laying from 

 three to five spotted eggs ; but some which lay in holes or 

 crevices have white eggs. The young, at first densely covered 

 with down, can walk and run, as well as swim, from the 

 first ; but usually remain some time in or about the nest, 

 or conceal themselves in suitable places. Most of the birds 

 of this order walk very expertly. The males are little larger 

 than the females, and generally the sexes are coloured alike ; 

 but the young have more mottled and duller colours than 

 the adult. Their flesh is not esteemed, and none of them 

 have been domesticated. 



