THE TROPIC BIRD 
In appearance the Tropic Bird is something like 
a Gull, or one of the larger Terns. He has a strong 
pointed bill, nearly arched, and his head is well 
covered with feathers. The four toes are joined by 
a web, and his flight is more like that of a Duck than 
a Gull, since he gives constant and rapid strokes of 
the wing. Nevertheless he is able to soar without 
resting for longer than almost any other sea-bird, and 
it is said that he can pass whole days in the air with- 
out needing to settle. 
He is a great favourite with sailors, who give to 
him the name of Boatswain,” on account of his 
long shrill whistle. He seems particularly fond of 
hovering about ships, and now and then will settle at 
the mast-head. Hardly ever is he to be seen on the 
water. 
Tropic Birds can easily be divided into three 
groups or families, according to their colouring and 
size. 
First and best known is the Common Tropic 
Bird. His plumage is of a satiny white, with curved 
black lines on the back, while a few of his feathers 
are black, tipped with white. He is to be found in 
all the oceans within the tropics, and he is about the 
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