42 



THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 



Nest built in swamps, in or close to water, usually of rushes, 

 aquatic weeds, &c. Clutch of eggs from six to nine, of a stone 

 colour and thickly freckled with small purplish-brown markings. 

 The eggs measure about 1.96 x 1.29 inch. 



Coot : Fulica australis. 



Australian Museum. 



Order Podicipedidipormes. 

 Palate schizognathous. Wing feathers developed into 

 remiges as in aerial birds. Nestlings precocious. 



Family Podicipedidce. 

 Hallux above level of other toes. Toes with wide lateral 

 lobes united at the base. Tail vestigial. No right carotid artery. 



Genus Podicipes. 



Bill pointed. Neck long. Plumage close and glossy. 

 Feathers of the forehead normal. 



