282 The Bird 
water of a ship’s prow. The perpetual crook in the necks 
of these birds is significant of their method of fishing—a 
patient watch until the prey comes within striking distance. 
In the snake-bird this crook, or Z-shape, has, by the 
Fic. 226.—Swan. Correlation of long neck and short legs due to feeding habits. 
(Sanborn, photographer.) 
adaptation of three of the neck-bones, become a veritable 
trigger, by the springing of which the bird literally spears 
the fish. 
If the mention in this chapter of a few examples of 
crests and other decorations has seemed in the least to 
