BIRDS. 



277 



frequently seen in the Gulf of Mexico and in the tropical 

 oceans. 



Anseres. This order has short legs, and the cutting 

 edges of the bill are more or less fringed or serrated. 



FIG. 220. 



FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus niber). 



The species are exceedingly numerous; among the 

 ducks we may cite the teal, wood duck, black duck, 

 mallard, red-head, and canvas-back. They all have 

 wide, flat beaks, and the legs are placed back of the 

 centre of the body ; the neck is long, but not as long as 

 that of the goose, while that of the swan is very long. 

 The eider is a northern species that rarely descends as 

 far south as our coasts. Its body is protected by a very 

 close and very soft down, which is highly prized for 

 stuffing pillows, etc. The general characters of the goose 

 are well known. It swims little, and does not dive. The 



24 



