FRIGATE PELICAN 



White Pelican. 



Frigate Pelican. 



The Frigate Pelican, or Man-of-War Bird, is usually found between the tropics. Although when stripped 

 of its feathers it is hardly larger than a pigeon, yet no man can touch at the same time the tips of its ex- 

 tended wings. The long wing bones are exceedingly light, and the whole apparatus of air-cells is ex- 

 tremely developed, so that its real weight is very trifling. It flies at a great height above the water, and 

 from that elevation pounces down on fish, especially the poor persecuted flying-fish. According to some 

 authors, the name of Man-of-War Bird was given to it because its appearance was said to foretell the com- 

 ing of a ship ; probably because the Frigate Pelican and ships are equally averse to storms, and both like 

 to come into harbor if the weather threatens. Under the throat of the Frigate Pelican is a large pouch of 

 a deep red color, which can be distended with air at the pleasure of the Bird. The pouch is larger and of 

 a more brilliant red in the male than in his consort, and the general plumage of the female is not so bright 

 as that of the male. 



Although its swiftness of wing and general activity enable it to snatch a fish from the surface of the water, 

 or to pouni e upon the flying-fish before it can again Seek the protection of its native element, yet it too 

 often uses its powers in robbing other birds of their lawful prey. It is enabled in some mysterious way to 

 find its way home by night, even though it may be four or five hundred miles from land. The length of 

 the male bird is three feet, and the expanse of wing eight feet. 



Tame Goose. 



(293) 



Coot. 



Taine Duck. 



Booby 



