DIVING BIRDS 



GREBES, LOONS, AUKS, MURRES, PUFFINS 

 (Order Pygopodes) 



The birds of this order, whose Latin name refers to their sit- 

 ting posture when on land, represent the highest development in 

 the art of swimming and diving, being the nearest lineal de- 

 scendants of the reptiles, the ancestors of all birds, evolutionists 

 tell us. The American Ornithologists' Union has classified these 

 divers into three distinct families. 



Grebes 



(Family Podicipidce) 



Grebes, although similar to the loons in general structure and 

 economy, have peculiarly lobed and flattened-out toes connected 

 by webs that are their chief characteristic. In the breeding sea- 

 son several species wear ornamental head-dresses, colored crests 

 or ruffs that disappear in the winter months. Plumage, which is 

 thick, compact, and waterproof, has a smooth, satiny texture, es- 

 pecially on the under parts. Wings, though short, are powerful, 

 and enable the grebes to migrate long distances; but they are not 

 used in swimming under water, as is often asserted. The mar- 

 velous rapidity with which grebes dive and swim must be credited 

 to the feet alone. No birds are more thoroughly at home in the 

 water and more helpless on land than they. By keeping only the 

 nostrils above the surface they are able to remain under water a 

 surprising length of time, which trick, with many other clever 

 natatorial feats, have earned for them such titles as " Hell Diver," 

 "Water Witch," and "Spirit Duck." On shore the birds rest up- 

 right, or nearly so, owing to the position of their legs, which are 



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