THE FRIGATE PELICAN". 167 



between tlieir slioulders, raise one of their feet, 

 place tlieir bills upon their backs, and so betake 

 themselves to slumber. Immediately on the re- 

 turn of the tide, of which they have a most 

 unerring intuition, they all start up, and spread- 

 ing their ample pinions, soar in search of prey. 

 They are also in a remarkable degree weather- 

 wise, and should they be seen fishing in retired 

 places, it is the sure precursor of a storm. On 

 the contrary, when they venture out to see, it is 

 a certain indication of fair weather. 



The frigate pelicans are closely allied in their 

 habits, as in many of their characteristics, to the 

 vulture. Like it rapacious, ferocious, and sloth- 

 ful, their predominating traits are anything but 

 attractive. Unscrupulously these birds pillage 

 each other's nests, in order to construct their 

 own with less exertions ; lord it over others 

 weaker than themselves, and even devour indis- 

 criminately the young of every species. They 

 exhibit extraordinary dexterity in collecting 

 materials for the construction of their nests, 

 and when flitting swiftly on wing they break 

 off the twigs of trees in passing, just as though 

 for amusement, by a single snap of their pow- 

 erful bills. 



The frigate pelican possesses a power of flight 

 equalled by few other birds, surpassing as it 

 does that of the gull, the tern, and the hawk in 



