May, 1904 I 
THE CONDOR 
59 
kidnapping tender nestlings. There are always a nuinher of birds flying baek 
and forth over the villages, as if on the lookout for prey. Ordinarily they could 
not make even a fair living in this manner, for all species know enough to cover 
the chick closely. Mr. J. O. Snyder frightened a female off her nest one day to 
observe the little one, but even while he was watching there was a rush of wings, 
and a bolt out of the sky caught up the defenseless creature, and was off in a 
flash. 
Man-o’-war birds never alight on the water, and on land only when necessary. 
Their great powers of flight have been gained at the expense of their legs, which 
are the merest travesties. Walking is a feat which they are unable to accomplish, 
and if obliged to attempt it they sprawl over the nest, or ground, in a most awk- 
ward manner. When alarmed they consequently have difficult}’ in arising, espe- 
MALE MAN-O'-WAR BIRD ON NEST 
cially the males with swollen throats. But once awing they are perfectly at home, 
and sail off with consummate ease and grace, the crimson ‘balloon’ of the male 
swaying from side to side. Their appearance as they soar aloft with this impedi- 
mentum can be more readily imagined than described. 
I believe nature has devised a no more perfect flying machine than one of 
these birds. There is a temptation with every one who has observed their splen- 
did powers of fl' 'it to become enthusiastic. But in the art of soaring Fregata is 
deserving of any need of praise we may bestow, for in swiftness, skill, and endur- 
ance it is without a rival. The albatross is a wonderful creature at sailing, though 
a fresh breeze is a necessity for its best efforts. On comparatively calm days the 
man-o’-war birds are able to rest on motionless wings, or slowly to describe circles 
