THE WORLD'S BIRDS. 



29 



Divers {ColymhidcB). 



Diagnosis. — Diving birds with webbed four-toed feet and 

 a very short tail. 



Size. — From that of a duck to that of a goose, ap- 

 proximately. 



Form. — Bill straight, rather long, of medium thickness ; 

 corner of mouth below front of eye. Feet at end 

 of body, three front toes, of which the outer is 

 longest, webbed ; hind-toe small. Wings of medium 

 length, narrow ; body and neck medium ; tail very 

 short, but with true quills. 



Plumage. — Normal, not silky as in grebes ; dark above, 

 pure white below. No sexual difference, but a 

 seasonal change. Young like adults in winter 

 dress. 



Young. — Active, but less so than young ducks. Covered 

 with dark down. 



Nest. — A collection of vegetable matter on the shore 

 close to the water. 



Eggs. — Two only ; oval, olive, with dark markings. 



Incubation. — Four weeks. 



Courtship. — Said to be conducted on the wing. 



Food. — Fish and other aquatic animals. 



Gait. — On land semi-erect and excessively awkward ; 

 the birds generally object to walking at all, and 

 only push themselves along on their breasts. In 

 the water they float low, and swim and dive with 

 great power, using the legs only, not the wings. 



Flight. — Direct, rapid, and strong, performed by con- 

 tinued beats of the wings, with neck and legs out- 

 stretched. They fly more readily than grebes, and 

 often rise high, even in the daytime. 



Note. — A harsh shriek or howl. 



Disposition and Habits. — Wary, inquisitive and very 

 courageous, turning even on man when brought to 

 bay. 



