FORM AND HABIT: THE FEET. 



27 



outer feathers, as in the Meadowlark. The tail may 

 also he expressive of disposition. Compare the drooped 

 tail of a pensive Flycatcher with the uptilted member of 

 an inquisitive Wren. 



But it is when displaying its beauties that a bird 

 speaks most eloquently with its tail. Can anything ex- 

 ceed the pompous pride of a Turkey cock strutting in 

 swollen glory, with tail stiffly spread ? The Peacock 

 erects his tail in a similar manner, but it is entirely con- 

 cealed by the train of gorgeous feathers which it par- 

 tially supports. 



The Feet. — As the feet share with the wings the re- 

 sponsibilities of locomotion, there is often a close rela- 

 tion between these organs. For example, short-winged 

 terrestrial species like Quails, Grouse, and Rails have well- 

 developed feet, but such aerial creatures as Swifts and 

 Swallows have exceedingly small feet (see Figs. 3 and 4). 

 The aquatic Grebes and Divers are practically helpless on 

 land, but the Ostrich can outrun the horse ; while in the 

 perching birds the foot is so specialized that by the auto- 



FiG. 12. — Lobed foot of a Coot, a 

 swimmincf Inrd of the; Eail 

 family, ('/a natural size.) 



Fig. 13.— Lobed foot of a Pliala- 

 rope, a swimmiutr bird of the 

 Snipe family. (Natural size.) 



matic action of certain tendons the birds are locked to 

 their perches while sleeping. A webbed foot implies abil- 

 ity to swim, and we iind this character present in all the 



