Stat. c. lagoons, rivers 17.5
Hind-neck, breast, flanks indigo-blue; back, wings, tail black; under tail white; eyes orange-red; bill, legs red; jerks tail; f., smaller. Insects, vegetable food.
1
13
28 Australian Coot, Dabchick (e), Fulica australis, A., T., =vt. cos. bird.
Stat. c. lakes, bays 14
Sooty-black; bill bluish-gray; eyes red; lobed feet; f., sim. Water-insects, snails.
F. 23. Heliornithidae. Finfoot, 5 sp.—1(1)O., 3(3)E., 1(1)Nl.
In the next Order, the Sixth, there are three Australian birds. They are called Grebes. Bird names often reflect some habit, e.g., Scratchers, Cooers. So Grebes are often called Divers. But the Divers of the ornithologist are Northern Hemisphere birds, placed in the next family (25).
There is a widespread tradition to the effect that Grebes wait for the flash of the cap, and then dive before the bullet can reach them. They are, indeed, remarkably active in the water, but are absurd on land. Their legs are set so far back that it is almost impossible for them to walk. Their toes are not webbed, but are broadly lobed.