34 THE WORLD'S BIRDS. 



forms, of even wider distribution. Among the 

 ordinary diving Ducks, the Canvas-back of North 

 America (Nyroca vallisneria) is celebrated for the 

 table ; it much resembles our pochard (N. ferina), 

 but is much larger. 



FINFOOTS (Heliornithidcz). 



DIAGNOSIS. Rail-like water-birds with well-developed 

 tails, short legs, and lobed feet. 



SIZE. From that of a crow to that of a thrush. 



FORM. Bill like that of many rails, compressed, 

 moderate in length, with central nostrils, and corner 

 of mouth half-way to eye ; feet with short shanks, 

 front toes lobed as in a coot, hind-toe fairly 

 developed ; wings short, like those of a rail ; tail 

 well developed. General appearance much like 

 that of a cormorant, except for wings, bill, and 

 lobed toes. 



PLUMAGE AND COLOURATION. Feathering close, not 

 loose-textured as in rails ; tail stiff in some. 

 Sometimes a sex- difference, but no seasonal change. 

 Feet bright coloured. 



YOUNG. Those of the American Heliornis surinamensis 

 said to be naked and carried under wings of 

 parent. 



FOOD. Fish and other aquatic animals. 



GAIT. In spite of the short legs they move actively 

 on land, standing semi-erect. They swim and 

 dive well, floating low in the water like a cor- 

 morant. 



FLIGHT. Direct, by continuous beats of the wing ; they 

 rise off the water awkwardly. 



