282 DUCKS, geese; SWANS, AND PELICANS. 



indentations at the point, turned in a backward direction. Its 

 head is slender and cylindrical, and forms the termination of a 

 slim and excessively long neckj which gives it much the resem- 

 hlance of a serpent grafted on a bird. In all its movements this 

 neck is the counterpart of the reptile, and imitates its undula- 

 tions ; therefore, in the United States it has received the name of 

 the " Serpent- Bird." They are untiring swimmers and excellent 

 divers. When any danger threatens them, they dive completely 

 under water, and do not reappear until they have found some 

 tufts of reeds in which to hide, even should the distance be as 



Fig. 102.— Darter (Anhiiiga, Levaillant). 



much as one thousand feet from the spot where it disappeared. 

 These birds are of a wild and suspicious nature, confining them- 

 selves to solitary places. They perch upon trees which grow by 

 the sides of a pool or river, in order to dart upon any unfortunate 

 fish which comes within their reach, which they seize with ex- 

 traordinary address, swallowing it whole if not too large. It 



