FORM AND HABIT: THE FEET. 



2Y 



outer feathers, as in the Meadowlark. Tlie tail may 

 also he expressive of disposition. Compare the dr(jope(l 

 tail of a pensive Flycatcher with the uptilted menilicr of 

 an in(piisitive Wren. 



But it is when displaying its beauties that a hird 

 speaks most ekxpiently with its tail. Can anything ex- 

 ceed the pompous pi-ide of a Turkey cock strutting in 

 swollen glory, with tail stiiily spread ? The Peacock 

 erects his tail in a similar manner, hut it is entirely con- 

 cealed by the train of gorgeous feathers -which it par- 

 tially supports. 



The Feet. — As the feet share with the wings the re- 

 sponsibilities of locomotion, there is often a close rela- 

 tion between these organs. For example, short-winged 

 terrestrial species like Quails, Grouse, and Rails have well- 

 developed feet, but such aerial creatures as Swifts and 

 Swallows have exceedingly small feet (see Figs. 8 and -i). 

 The a(piatic Cirebes and Divers are practically helpless on 

 land, but the Ostrich can outrun the horse ; while in the 

 perching birds the foot is so specialized that Ijy the auto- 



FiG. 12. — Lobed foot of a Coot, a 

 swimmint; bird of tliu Rail 

 family, {i/g natural ^ixe. ) 



:. l."3.— Lobed foot of a Phala- 

 rope, a M\\ iiiiiiiiiii;- bird of tbe 

 Sni^jc fainih". (^'atural size.) 



matic action of certain tendons the birds are locked to 

 their perches while sleeping. A webbed foot implies al)il- 

 ity to swim, and we find this character jiresent in all the 



