312 VERTEBRATES. 



given to it because its appearance was said to foretell the coioing 

 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 pounce 

 apon 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 manner 

 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 



