281 



DUCKS, GEESE, SWANS, A.ND PELICANS. 



escaping from their enemies when on shore, nor have they suffi- 

 cient power of flight to avoid them in the air. But when 

 they are aloft they soar wonderfully, with their necks .stretched 

 out, the tail expanded, and the wings almost motionless. Although 

 they are strong on the wing, they do not venture very far from 

 shore, consequently they are never met with more than twenty 

 leagues at sea. Their appearance, therefore, is considered by 



Fig. 103.-Gaiinet (Su/a Eaisnn). 



the mariner as an indication of the proximity of land. In their 

 flight they frequently skim over the surface of the sea, catching 

 such fish as swim near the top. The skin of their throat 

 is so readily distended that thej^ can swallow their prej' whole. 

 The Gannct is also an excellent diver, for it is able to remain 

 more than a minute under water ■^'hen in pursuit of a favourite 

 prey. 



These birds are found in every part of the globe, giving the 

 preference, however, to tropical countries ; still they are plentiful 

 in the Ilebrides, in Norway, Scotland, and are even found as far 



