38 ANIMAL LIFE UNDER WATER 



white marks on its -back are even more promi- 

 nent. 



With the razorbill we find well-defined 

 narrow white bands on the beak. 



The small, black-footed penguin affords a 

 very good example of attractive "flash" from 

 white plumage. 



I illustrate on the plate opposite the penguin 

 as shown standing on a rock. The neck and side 

 of the head are white, and this white plumage is 

 extended as a line down to the tail ; the back is 

 dark, and the breast is white. 



The two lower illustrations show the same 

 bird swimming under water. These under- water 

 illustrations are from cinematograph films. It 

 will be seen that the dark back of the bird is 

 invisible in the dark surroundings, for there is 

 no sheen on the plumage of a penguin, and top 

 light is not reflected. The white breast reflects 

 the darkness below, while the white plumage on 

 the side of the head and body catches the light 

 from above and gives the " flash." 



The penguin is a heavy bird. Its wings are 

 small, and as it flies through the water with an 

 undulating movement the " flash " very much 

 simulates the flash from a heavy silver spoon- 



