Order Steganopodes
TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS.
FAMILY PHAËTHONTIDE. TROPIC BIRDS.
The three species composing this small but distinct family are found throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. They are littoral rather than pelagic, but make long journeys across the open sea. Their flight when migrating is strong, rapid, and. direct. In feeding, they course over the water, beating back and forth at a height of about forty feet. Their long, willowy tail-feathers add greatly to the grace and beauty of their appearance when on the wing. 112. Phaëthon flavirostris Brandt. YELLOW-BILLED TROPIC BIRD (see Fig. 11). Ad. - White; a mark before and through the eye; outer web of primaries, lesser wing-coverts, and tertials black; flanks streaked with slate; bill yellow; tail tinged with salmon, shafts of the feathers black. W., 10.75; T., 19.00; B., 2.00.