460 



SWIMMING BIRDS. 



The Divers, properly so called (Colymbus}* possess the geneial form 

 of Grebes, but have their feet completely webbed, that is to say, their 

 toes are united quite to their extremities, where they terminate in 

 strong pointed nails. These are all Northern birds, and only visit 

 us in the winter season. 



FlG. 388. XOKTHKRN DIVER. 



The Great Northern Diver (Colymbus glacialis) is frequently *cen 

 upon our northern coasts; they dive with the utmost facility, and 

 live upon fishes and crabs that they catch under water. 



The Penguins (Alcidce) are known by the beak being 

 much compressed and elevated vertically, presenting a 

 sharp ridge on its upper margin, and generally grooved 

 transversely. The feet are completely webbed, and have 

 no posterior toe. This family is divided into the Puffins 

 and the Penguins. 



The Puffins (Fratercula), have the beak shorter than the head, 

 and as wide at the base as it is long, a structure which gives these 

 birds a very remarkable appearance ; the root of the beak is bedded in 

 a fold of skin, while the nostrils are only narrow slits placed near its 

 margin. Their little wings can scarcely sustain them in the air 

 for an instant. They live upon the sea, and make their nest among 



s, colymbetes, a diver. 



