250 NATATORKS 



in the fur countries, flying about in dense flocks all 

 Summer. To these parts, and to the Rocky Mountain 

 districts, it mostly resorts for the purpose of breed- 

 ing, — its winter quarters extending southward from 

 Carolina to Texas, along the coasts as well as inland. 

 The plumage of this bird is quite white, except a 

 portion of each wing, which is nearly black. From 

 the back part of the head hangs a short crest of loose 

 feathers. This crest, together with a tuft of feathers 

 on the breast, is of a pale yellow color, as is also the 

 pouch which hangs from the lower mandible. The 

 upper mandible is armed at a short distance from the 

 extremity with a sharp bony process, which occupies 

 about one-fourth its length. The Pelicans are apt to 

 assemble in flocks of considerable size, and resort to 

 the same feeding ground, where they will arrange 

 themselves on the margin of some sand-bar, pluming 

 themselves, and preparing for the coming meal. Dur- 

 ing this time, should one of them gape, all, as if by 

 sympathy, open their long and broad mandibles, 

 yawning lazily and ludicrously. At length hunger 

 compels their return to the water. With awkward 

 gait they waddle along as though they were out of 

 their element ; but when they reach the water's edge 

 they seem like other creatures. How beautifully do 

 they float upon the surface as they arrange themselves 

 for their work ! The following paragraph from Au- 

 dubon shows their manner of taking food : " In 

 yonder nook, the small fry are dancing in the quiet 

 water, perhaps in their own manner bidding farewell 

 to the orb of day, perhaps seeking something for 



