BIRDS OF THE NORTHERN STATES 283 
7 Loon. Length 32 inches. 
This is the largest bird of the Grebe and Loon families. It is seen only 
on fairly deep water and seldom flies if disturbed, but dives. Its com- 
moner call is usually written 
who, who, who, who, “the 
syllables being so rapidly 
pronounced as to sound 
almost as the trembling of 
the voice—a sort of weird 
laughter.” The bird is 
black above, beautifully _ 
marked with numerous 
streaks and spots and bars ; 
belly, pure white. Eggs 
laid on the ground within 
a few feet of the water so it can easily slide from the nest into its true 
element. Common S.R. 
SWIMMING BIRDS 
Loon 
This class includes the Gull, Cormorant, Pelican, and Duck families. 
These birds are perfectly at home’on the water, thei feet being made 
~oaemeeeero Into efficient paddles by 
connecting at least the 
three front toes with a 
web. Many of them 
find their food either on 
the surface or by diving 
for it. 
Gull Family. — These 
are the large birds, 
mostly white in color, 
that are so common on 
our lakes; often mis- 
called “sea-gulls.” 
They have long wings, 
and fly as easily as swal- 
lows or hawks. The terns have long, forked or notched tails, while the 
gulls have square tails, The terns are on the wing much of the time; 
FRANKLIN GULL 
