as a matter of fact, this method seems to be confined to the 
‘ 
Passerine birds—the “ perching birds,” such as crows and finches 
and their kin. It has yet to be settled what obtains among what 
are known as the “ Picarian” birds, such as kingfishers, bee- 
eaters, woodpeckers, and so on. The legs and feet of these birds 
are so small, and their flight is so rapid, that the matter is by no 
means an easy one to settle. But all other birds carry the legs 
and toes bent backwards, under the tail. In the gulls, this can 
easily be seen, and easier still in the case of the common heron, 
where they are, as it were, trailed out behind—owing to the 
shortness of the tail and the great length of the leg. The puffin 
carries them “ splayed ” out on each side of his tail, and so also do 
his kinsmen, the razor-bills, and guillemots. 
The legs, as a rule, take no part in flight. True, they can be 
seen thrust out just before alighting, but this is solely for the 
purpose of effecting a safe landing. But where gulls can be 
watched at close quarters, as in harbours, round a ship, or in such 
favoured spots as are to be found about the bridges of London 
during the winter, careful watch will show that the legs are 
frequently used when efforts are being made to turn, or check the 
speed of flight. 
Some of the smaller petrels—like the storm-petrel, or “‘ Mother 
Carey’s chickens,” will patter over the water with their feet as they 
fly just over the surface of the waves. 
42 
