CLASS AVES (BIRDS). 



327 



texts or to some of the many good bird-books now being 

 published. 



The Ostriches, Cassowaries, etc. (Ratita). The ostrich 

 (Fig. 135) is the best known representative of these flight- 

 less birds. They are the largest of all birds. Their 

 wings are very rudimentary, but their legs are well 

 developed and are powerful both for motion and for 

 defense. There are a dozen or more species and all are 



FIG. 134. Apteryx australis. From. Romanes. 



Questions on the Figure. What are the peculiarities of this bird ? 

 What does apteryx mean? What is the distribution of this species? 

 What are its nearest relatives among the birds? 



found naturally in the southern hemisphere, and chiefly 

 in the old world. The feathers, or plumes, of the African 

 ostrich particularly, are highly valued, and the ostrich 

 farms are profitable in California and South Africa. 



The Auks, Penguins, Grebes, and Loons (Pygopodes). 

 These are all aquatic birds, and are expert divers and 

 swimmers. The penguins and auks have poorly developed 



