174 AUDUBON THE NATURALIST. 
in never selects sojourning places where it ia 
debarred the means of escape from its enenties, 
Thus it never frequents a pool completely 
enclosed by trees. Preferring the most im- 
penetrable morasses, it lurks amidst the topmost 
boughs of some trees growing from out a pond 
in its centre, as in this commanding situation, it 
is the better enabled to perceive the approach 
of an enemy. In securing its prey, it never 
plunges from an eminence, though sometimes it 
-drops silently into the water, but only for the 
purpose of swimming, and afterwards diving for 
booty. Invariably it returns to the same roost-” 
ing places, generally on the shore of a stream, or 
else directly over the water. 
To these retreats it hastens after feeding, 
where basking in the sun, it stands erect, its 
long wings and large fan-like tail extended, 
throwing out its slender head and neck in the 
most curious manner, with sudden jerks, while 
with its beautiful bright eyes it glances around. 
The avhinga is a very expert diver, plunging, 
and instantly disappearing so lightly as not even 
to cause a ripple on the surface. Though usually 
but partially emerged when swimming, on the 
least alarm it sinks further, so as to hide itself 
from ‘sight. From the peculiar motions of its 
head and neck, which cause it to resemble the 
form of a snake, it takes its name. 
