530 COLYMBID^. 



The movements of this bird in the water are described 

 as most graceful : in swimming it vies with the Swan, and 

 it is a skilful diver. As seen perched up in a museum 

 its form is ungainly, but in its native element it might 

 serve as the standard of perfection among water birds. 

 The legs, compressed so as to present a sharp edge, cut the 

 water with a minimum of resistance ; the webbed feet are 

 placed so far backwards that they fulfil at once the office 

 " of propellers and rudder ; the body is conical and covered 

 with satiny plumage, which throws off water as perfectly 

 as the fur of the otter ; the long neck tapers to exceed- 

 ingly narrow dimensions and terminates in a small head 

 produced into a slender bill. The conformation of the grey- 

 hound is not better adapted for fleet running than that of 

 the Grebe for rapid diving. The chase, I need scarcely add, 

 consists of fish ; but the Loon will feed on frogs, tadpoles, 

 and any other small animals which fall in its way. It 

 frequents fresh water during the summer months, but on 

 the approach of winter repairs to the sea, not, it would 

 seem, from any desire of varying its food, but to avoid 

 being frozen up. It builds its nest among rushes or 

 decaying weeds, but little above the level of the water, and 

 lays four eggs, the male assisting his partner in the office 

 of incubation. The young can dive and swim imme- 

 diately that they are hatched ; but if the mother be sud- 

 denly alarmed while they are with her, she takes them 

 under her wing and dives with them. 



The name Loon is supposed to be a corruption of the 

 Finnish designation, Leomme or Lem, " lame," given to 

 several of the Colymbidse on account of the awkwardness 

 with which they advance on land. 



The Loon is found in lakes throughout a great portion 

 of both the eastern and western hemispheres, but not very 

 far to the north. It rarely flies, except at the period of 

 migration, when it passes swiftly through the air, with neck 

 and feet extended to their full length. 



