AVES. 411 



The order Natatorcs includes the divers and swimmers, as 

 the auks, penguins, petrels, gulls, the albatross, ducks and 

 geese. The legs are usually short, and the toes are webbed. 

 The auks and penguins have poorly-developed wings and are 

 almost helpless on shore. At the other extreme are the power- 

 ful fliers, the gulls, petrels, wild geese and the like. Many of 



FIG. 212. A right lateral view of the skull of the American Flamingo (Phcenicopterus 

 ruber). Photographed from specimen by Dr. R. W. Shufeldt. 



Questions on the figure. Distinguish upper and lower jaws, com- 

 paring them as to massiveness. Is this the usual condition in birds? How 

 much of the skull is occupied by the brain? To what habits of the 

 flamingo is the form of its beak an adaptation? Compare with Fig. 216. 



these dive in capturing prey or avoiding enemies, and some 

 have the power of swimming under water for considerable 

 distances (Figs. 209, 210). 



The Grallatores, or waders, have relatively long legs, neck 

 and beak. The toes are often partly webbed. The food con- 

 sists of small water animals. Here are included the game- 



