FORM AND HABIT: THE FEET, 27 
outer feathers, as in the Meadowlark. The tail may 
also be expressive of disposition. Compare the drooped 
tail of a pensive Flycatcher with the uptilted member of 
an inquisitive Wren. 
But it is when displaying its beauties that a bird 
speaks most eloquently with its tail. Can anything ex- 
ceed the pompous pride of a Turkey cock strutting in 
swollen glory, with tail stiffly spread? The Peacock 
erects his tail in a similar manner, but it is entirely con- 
eealed by the train of gorgeous feathers which it par- 
tially supports. 
The Feet.—As the feet share with the wings the re- 
sponsibilities of locomotion, there is often a close rela- 
tion between these organs. For example, short-winged 
terrestrial species like Quails, Grouse, and Rails have well- 
developed feet, but such aérial creatures as Swifts and 
Swallows have exceedingly small feet (see Figs. 3 and 4). 
The aquatic Grebes and Divers are practically helpless on 
land, but the Ostrich can outrun the horse; while in the 
perching birds the foot is so specialized that by the auto-- 
Fro. 12.—Lobed foot of a Coot, a Fia. 13.—Lobed foot of a Phala- 
swimming bird of the Rail rope, a swimming bird of the 
family. (#/, natural size.) Snipe family. (Natural size.) 
matic action of certain tendons the birds are locked to 
their perches while sleeping. A webbed foot implies abil- 
ity to swim, and we find this character present in all the 
