1897.] Bird Life in Central America. 201 
approached, diving and swimming about very actively. The 
darter seems to have much difficulty in keeping its balance 
when perched on trees, the feet being placed on the body con- 
siderably behind the point of equilibrium ; this formation gives 
them great power of swimming under water, but makes them 
look awkward when out of that element. The neck is long 
and snake-like, and the beak curiously serrated, and admirably 
adapted for seizing fish beneath the surface. The eggs are 
bluish-white, with rather a chalky shell, small for the size of 
the bird, and considered good eating by the native creoles. 
“My Woukee bittern, which I had taken from the nest when 
very young, gave me much amusement, especially on these 
long, lonely rides. When I had passed the bar, and found my- 
self in the long tranquil swell of the open sea, he began to show 
symptoms of sea-sickness, being unable to sit upright, and 
twisting his long neck about in the most grotesque manner, 
at last he went below, under one of the thwarts. 
“The brown pelican is commonly seen in small flocks upon 
the coast and lagoons, engaged in fishing, or, with a steady, 
powerful flight, pursuing its way to more favorable localities. 
Its mode of fishing is curious; the bird soars upon its broad 
wings to a considerable height, and then, as soon as a fish is 
seen, it descends, beak foremost, upon the water with a sudden 
wheeling evolution, and with great force; seldom, however, 
falling to secure its prey. At other times, the pelicans may be 
seen swimming like geese in the shallows, composedly spoon- 
ing up the shoals of fry with their capacious beaks. The 
quantities of fish consumed by them must be enormous. Occa- 
sionally, a solitary individual may be visible, perched appar- 
ently in contemplative mood, upon a convenient mangrove 
bough. Another curious bird seen there is the boat-bill, called 
by the Indians, “ Cooper.” 
“A little green heron is everywhere commonly seen by the 
waterside, and may be easily recognized, while yet unseen, by 
its loud ery of “ tuk-tuk-tuk.” The plumage of the cock yellow- 
tail is of a deep russet-brown, changing to black on the head 
and back, and the tail feathers are of a bright yellow; the top 
of the beak is coral-red, and the cheeks pale blue. They are 
