SYNOPSIS OF BIRD FAMILIES. 



sinking in the mire or floating vegetation. . . . The head 

 is completely feathered ; the general plumage is ordinarily 

 of subdued and blende'd coloration, lacking much of the 

 variegation commonly observed in Shore-birds ; the sexes 

 are usually alike, and the changes of plumage not great Avith 

 age or season. The food is never probed for in the mud, 

 but gathered from the surface of the ground and water." 

 (Coues.) 



ORDER HERODIONES : HERONS, ETC. 



Family Ardeidae (Marsh Birds). Page 250. 



5 Species. 



Long-legged, long-necked, long-billed birds, often lieau- 

 tifully crested in the breeding-season, and having broad, 

 generous wings. They nest in trees in swampy places. 

 Their voices are harsh, and they undergo great changes of 

 plumage, and must be recognized by the novice more by 

 general shape than detailed colour description. They may 

 often be seen standing on one leg on the edge of ponds or 

 swamps in the attitude of the Storks of Andersen's " Fairy 

 Tales." 



ORDER ANSERES: LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS. 



Family Anatidae : Ducks, Geese, etc. Page 255. 



16 Species. 



Stoutly-built birds of rivers and seashore, with varied and 

 beautiful plumage of a type familiar to every one. *' Body 

 full, heavy, flattened beneath, neck of variable length, head 

 large, eyes small. . . . Wings of moderate length (rarely 

 very short), stiff, strong, pointed, conferring rapid, vigorous, 

 whistling flight ; a Wild Duck at full speed is said to make 

 ninety miles an hour. . . . Legs short, knees buried in the 

 general integument, toes palmate." (Coues.) 



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