May, ?9o4 I THE CONDOR 59 kidnapping tender nestlings. There are always a numher of birds flying back and forth over the villages, as if on the lookout for prey. Ordinarily they could not nmke 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 accoa?plish, and if obliged to attempt it they sprawl over the nest, or ground, in a most awk- ward manner. When alartned they consequently have difficulty in arising, espe- MAI. E MAN-O'-WAR BIRD ON NEST cially the males with swollen throats. But once awing they are perfectly at home, and sail off with consunmmte ease and grace, the crimson 'balloon' of the male swaying from side to side. Their appearance as they soar aloft with this impedi- menturn 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 flight to become enthusiastic. But in the art of soaring Fregata is deserving of any meed 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 cahn days the man-o'-war birds are able to rest on motionless wings, or slowly to describe circles
