210 BIRDS OF LA PLATA 



narrow wake on the mirror-like surface* In their 

 flight they frequently twist about with extreme 

 rapidity, and so dexterously manage, that with their 

 projecting lower mandible they plough up small 

 fish, which are secured by the upper half of their 

 scissor-like bill* This fact I repeatedly saw as, like 

 Swallows, they continued to fly backwards and 

 forwards close before me* Occasionally, when leav- 

 ing the surface of the water, their flight was wild, 

 irregular, and rapid ; they then also uttered loud, 

 harsh cries. When these birds are fishing, the length 

 of the primary feathers of the wings is seen to be 

 quite necessary, in order to keep the latter dry* 

 When thus employed, their forms resemble the 

 symbol by which many artists represent marine birds* 

 The tail is much used in steering their irregular course, 

 ' These birds are common far inland along the 

 course of the Rio Parana ; it is said they remain 

 during the whole year and breed in the marshes. 

 During the day they rest in flocks on the grassy 

 plains, at some distance from the water. Being at 

 anchor, as I have said, in one of the deep creeks 

 between the islands of the Parana, as the evening 

 drew to a close one of these Scissor-beaks suddenly 

 appeared. The water was quite still, and many 

 little fish were rising* The bird continued for a 

 long time to skim the surface, flying in its wild and 

 irregular manner up and down the narrow canal, 

 now dark with the growing night and the shadows 

 of the overhanging trees. At Monte Video I observed 

 that some large flocks during the day remained on 



