TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS—Order Steganopodes 
TROPIC BIRD—Family Phethontide 
YELLOW-BILLED TROPIC BIRD 
112. Phethon americanus. 30 to 34 in. 
Form tern-like, but with the central tail feathers 
much lengthened (about 18 in.); legs short and not 
very strong; all four toes connected by webs. 
These beautiful creatures fly with the ease and grace 
of a tern, but with more rapid beating of the wings. 
They are strong and capable of protracted flight, often 
being found hundreds of miles from land. They feed 
upon small fish which they capture by diving upon 
from a height above the water, and upon snails, ete., 
that they get from the beaches and ledges. They are 
_ very buoyant, and sit high in the water with their tails 
elevated to keep them from getting wet. 
Nest.—A mass of weeds and seaweed placed upon 
| rocky ledges. The single egg that they lay is creamy, 
/so thickly sprinkled and dotted with purplish brown as 
to obscure the ground color. (2.10 x 1.45). 
..Range.—Breeds north to the Bahamas and Bermudas. 
