210 BIRDS OF LA PLATA 
narrow wake on the miggor-like surface. In their 
flight they frequently twist about with extreme 
rapidity, and so dexterously manage, that with their 
projecting lower mandible they plough up small 
fish, which are secured by the upper half of their 
scissor-like bill. This fact I repeatedly saw as, like 
Swallows, they continued to fly backwards and 
forwards close before me. Occasionally, when leav- 
ing the surface of the water, their flight was wild, 
irregular, and rapid; they then also uttered loud, 
harsh cries. When these birds are fishing, the length 
of the primary feathers of the wings is seen to be 
quite necessary, in order to keep the latter dry. 
When thus employed, their forms resemble the 
symbol by which many artists represent marine birds. 
The tail is much used in steering their irregular course. 
“ These birds are common far inland along the 
course of the Rio Parana; it is said they remain 
during the whole year and breed in the marshes. 
During the day they rest in flocks on the grassy 
plains, at some distance from the water. Being at 
anchor, as I have said, in one of the deep creeks 
between the islands of the Parana, as the evening 
drew to a close one of these Scissor-beaks suddenly 
appeared. The water was quite still, and many 
little fish were rising. The bird continued for a 
long time to skim the surface, flying in its wild and 
irregular manner up and down the narrow canal, 
now dark with the growing night and the shadows 
of the overhanging trees. At Monte Video I observed 
that some large flocks during the day remained on 
