228 



Descriptive Zoology. 



In the East Indies the pelican is tamed and used in fish- 

 ing, as is the cormorant in China. 



The Ducks and Geese. These birds have webbed feet, 

 with heavy, oily plumage. The body is flattened, and all 

 are fine swimmers. The bill is frequently broad, with a 

 sort of saw edge. The tongue is fleshy. In the geese and 

 fish ducks the bill is narrow. The swans belong to this 



FIG. 136. HEAD OF PELICAN. 



From Eckstorm's The Bird Book. 



group. Our domesticated duck closely resembles the wild 

 mallard, from which it is descended. The downy feathers 

 are much used for pillows, etc. Some ducks dive well, 

 and live largely on fish, which diet gives their flesh a rank, 

 fishy flavor ; but the fine flavor of the canvasback is 

 thought to be due to the wild celery on which it feeds. 

 The wood duck, and a few others, are exceptional in 

 nesting in trees, though, of course, near water. Ducks and 



