TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS Order Steganopodes 

 TROPIC BIRD Family Phaethontidae 



YELLOW-BILLED TROPIC BIRD 

 112. Phcethon 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 

 f a tern, but with more rapid beating of the wings, 

 ey are strong and capable of protracted flight, often 

 fro 



ng found hundreds of miles from land. They feed 

 on small fish which they capture by diving upon 

 >m a height above the water, and upon snails, etc., 

 it they get from the beaches and ledges. They are 

 ry 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. (2.10x1.45). 

 . . Range. Breeds north to the Bahamas and Bermudas. 



