STRANGE BIRDS AND TEETR WA VS. 



245 



in the air. A closer inspection, however, reveals two long, 

 slim legs, so entirely disproportionate to the size of the 

 body as to give to the birds the very ludicrous appearance 

 of walking on stilts. 



3. The observer will see also that the flamingo has a 

 small but graceful body, a finely curved and swan-like 

 neck, and, when flying, or wading in the water, it is one of 



Flamingo and Nest. 



the most beautiful of all aquatic birds. It is adapted to 

 wading, swimming, flying, and walking, and it is only on 

 land that it appears awkward and uncomfortable. It helps 

 itself over the ground with its long neck and bill, and its 

 pace while running is very rapid. 



4. They are web-footed, like the swimmers ; not so 

 much, however, to enable them to swim, as to walk over the 



