Avcs. 



229 



geese attract attention by their migration in large flocks, 

 especially in the spring. But their former vast numbers have 

 been reduced, mainly by those who shoot them for market. 



All the above-described orders are often classed together 

 as the " swimming birds." 



Herons and Storks. These are slender-bodied, long- 

 legged, and long-necked, with long, sharp bills, living 

 about the water and feeding chiefly on fishes, etc. They 

 are fitted for wading, not only by their long legs, but also 



FIG. 137. WOOD DUCK. 



From Kingsley's Zoology. 



by the fact that the feathers extend only part way down 

 the tibia. The long neck is ordinarily kept bent in an 

 S-shape, and can be quickly darted out to seize food. 

 Among the herons are the big blue heron, seen along 

 the rivers and creeks, the white egret, the bittern or stake 

 driver, the night heron, and the little green heron. In the 

 breeding season the head bears long plumes that are much 

 sought as ornaments. 



