?JATATORES. 485 



Tamily PELECANID-ffi. 



The members of this extensive family are the most truly 

 ichthyophagous birds in existence ; and it is particularly 

 interesting to observe how varied are their forms, and how 

 admirably each is adapted for so ne particular end and 

 purpose ; it is the investigation of '^."^ese especial adaptations 

 which gives a zest to the study of nr '.ure generally, but more 

 so perhaps to ornithology than to other branches of natural 

 science. Such adaptations exist in all great groups of birds, 

 but in none are they more remarkable than in the Felecanidce. 



In the first rank of this family are the Gigantic Pelicans 

 with their heavy bodies, large boat-like bills, extensive gullets, 

 and widely webbed feet ; next in size, but different in struc- 

 ture, are the Cormorants with their hooked bills, dense ad- 

 pressed plumage adapted for immersion, and their feet well 

 formed for perching on rocks and the branches of trees ; to 

 these succeed the Darters with their long snake-like necks 

 and narrow pointed bills ; then the Frigate-birds with their 

 greatly developed wings and diminutive feet, a form especially 

 adapted for aerial progression, whether for soaring Eagle-like 

 in the air, for performing extensive flights from one part of 

 the ocean to another, or for seeking the shore from immense 

 distances when desirous of roosting. Of all birds they are 

 the most powerful fliers. To these succeed the Gannets, 

 lovers of the salt sea, into which they plunge their heavy 

 bodies with a force that is truly astonishing ; last of all come 

 the fairy-like Tropic-birds, who, while sailing over the ocean, 

 perform many pleasing evolutions, and exhibit their lengthened 

 tail-plumes to the utmost advantage. 



All these forms occur in various parts of the globe, and 

 most of them fly over the seas surrounding Australia, and live 

 on the rocky promontories or on the rivers and inland waters 

 of that extensive country 



