FORM AND HABIT: THE FEET. 27 outer feathers, as in the Meadowlark. The tail may also he expressive of disposition. Compare the drooped tail of a pensive Flycatcher with the uptilted member of an inquisitive Wren. But it is when displaying its beauties that a bird speaks most eloquently with its tail. Can anything ex- ceed the pompous pride of a Turkey cock strutting in swollen glory, with tail stiffly spread ? The Peacock erects his tail in a similar manner, but it is entirely con- cealed by the train of gorgeous feathers which it par- tially supports. The Feet. — As the feet share with the wings the re- sponsibilities of locomotion, there is often a close rela- tion between these organs. For example, short-winged terrestrial species like Quails, Grouse, and Rails have well- developed feet, but such aerial creatures as Swifts and Swallows have exceedingly small feet (see Figs. 3 and 4). The aquatic Grebes and Divers are practically helpless on land, but the Ostrich can outrun the horse ; while in the perching birds the foot is so specialized that by the auto- FiG. 12. — Lobed foot of a Coot, a swimmincf Inrd of the; Eail family, ('/a natural size.) Fig. 13.— Lobed foot of a Pliala- rope, a swimmiutr bird of the Snipe family. (Natural size.) matic action of certain tendons the birds are locked to their perches while sleeping. A webbed foot implies abil- ity to swim, and we and this character present in all the
