442 NATATORES 



which are seen in the Common or Great Cormorant. The length 

 is two feet, one or two inches. 



The VIOLET GREEN CORMORANT, P. resplendens, (Lat. glit- 

 tering,) is the most beautiful species which has been found within 

 the limits of the United States. The gloss of its silky plumage 

 suggested the specific name. This bird has been found in abund- 

 ance near the Columbia river. The length of the female is two 

 feet three inches. 



THE DARTERS, OR SNAKE-BIRDS. 



These birds, which are included in the genus Plotus, have 

 bills longer than the head, slender, pointed, and finely serrated at 

 the extremity ; the tarsus is partly feathered above ; the neck is 

 much lengthened; the tail long, spreading and much rounded. 

 The necks of these birds, often rapidly moved and bent, sug- 

 gested the name of Darter, or Snake Bird. (Fig. on Chart.) 



The AMERICAN ANHINGA, or SNAKE BIRD, P. Anhinga, is a 

 common and constant resident from Florida to Georgia, and it 

 passes up the Mississippi as far as Natchez. In the southern 

 parts of Florida it is called the " Grecian Lady." This bird is 

 seen only occasionally in the immediate vicinity of the sea, de- 

 cidedly preferring rivers, small bays, or lagoons in the interior 

 where the land is level and lies low. It is quite remarkable in 

 its appearance and manners, often standing erect with the wings 

 and tail spread out in the sunshine, and throwing its long slen- 

 der neck and head, in every direction, by sudden jerks and 

 bendings. Though adapted for protracted and powerful flight, 

 as is shown by its form, long wings and large fan-like tail, this 

 bird spends more than half its time by day in the water. On 

 the approach of any danger, it sinks its body and swims with its 

 head and neck only above the surface, when these parts, " from 

 their form and peculiar sinuous motion, somewhat resemble the 

 head and part of the body of a snake." The nest of the Snake 

 Bird is found in different situations, sometimes in low bushes 

 not more than eight or ten feet above the water ; at others, on 

 large and tall cypresses, overhanging the borders of rivers or 

 other streams. The nest is of a circular form and two feet in 

 diameter; the eggs of a sky-blue color. 



