THE SEA-BIRDS. 7p! 
Ww 
relatives of the ducks. By means of the jagged edge of the 
bill, the bird can hold live fish with ease, and especially as the 
teeth are bent inwards, so that the prey in its struggles only 
brings itself nearer the bird’s throat. The gulls have the 
extremity of the bill bent into a sharp hook. This they strike 
into the fish, and so retain it. Frequently, they may be seen 
THE HEAD OF THE MERGANSER. 
(Mergus serrator.) 
to descend like an arrow into the trough of a wave, and come 
up with a struggling captive. 
The Sea-swallows do not strike their prey by coming down 
vertically upon it, but as they skim along the waves, they 
dexterously pick up the fish as it happens to show itself on the 
surface. They may often be seen following in the wake of a 
porpoise, and as the creature frightens its prey near the surface, 
THE HEAD OF THE SKIMMER. 
(Rynchops nigra.) 
the sea-swallow, which is hid for a moment in the seething water, 
snatches the fish from the very mouth of the porpoise. 
The Skimmers have their bills arranged like a pair of scissors. 
They skim the surface of the water, and absolutely cut in two 
any fish which has the misfortune to come in their path. 
The Pelicans have a large, extensible bag attached to their 
under bill. In this they carry the fish they take to their young. 
M. Nordmann relates a singular fact concerning these birds. 
They are very plentiful on the shores of the Black Sea, especially 
Mie 
