43° 



PELICANS. 



probably both from their soaring to great elevations under a tropical sun, and 

 from the circumstance that they seldom or never quit the warm regions of the 

 tropics, where, distinguished by their peculiar jerking flight, they are seen, 

 during calm weather, hovering in mid-air, watching for prey ; or, when stronger 

 breezes prevail, skimming gently over the surface of the ocean. They are 

 amongst the most beautiful of all the oceanic birds, and excite the admiration 

 of the mariner as the rays of a bright sun shine upon their chaste and satiny 

 plumage. They are as gentle in manner as graceful in flight, and it is plea- 

 sing to watch their easy evolutions. When soaring to a great height, the 

 action of their wings is slow, accompanied by a jerking motion as they rise 

 and fall by starts, and at the same time utter their peculiar shrill notes. 



tiG 2IO— Ihe Fkigatc Bird (7"a£/y/f/«^j;<»/ii) 



" The tropic bird is the very reverse of the heavy gigantic albatross, and 

 might well be called the fairy of the ocean, seen as it is in the genial latitudes 

 of the warmest climates of the globe — now a stationary speck, elevated as far 

 as the eye can reach, contrasted with the dark blue of the sky, like a spangle 

 in the heavens ; then suddenly descending, like a falling star, and as suddenly 

 checking its course to hover for awhile over the topmost point of a vessel's 

 masts, sometimes darting like a meteor, with its two long projecting tail- 

 feathers streaming in the air, downwards on a shoal of flying-Hsh ; and anon 

 rising gracefully with its prize, again to soar aloft and take its rest above the 

 clouds." — Bishop Stanley's "• Hisiory of Birds" 



As its name implies, the tropic bird is seldom to be seen outside the tropics 

 unless driven by storms. While on the wing, it utters a loud, shrill, and 

 grating cry, which often indicates its presence by night as well as by day. 

 On account of this shrill cry, sailors call it " The Boatswain." They also call 



