File:The genera of birds (19140518190).jpg

Order VIII. ANSERES.
The second Family,
COLYMBIDiE, or Divers,
have the Bill more or less long, much compressed, straight, and acute ; the Nostrils placed in a
longitudinal groove, with the opening basal, linear, or rounded : the Wings moderate, with the first
quill longest : the Tail very short : the Tarsi short, and much compressed : the Toes long, and the three
anterior ones more or less united together by a membrane ; the hind toe short, and margined by a small
membrane.
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The first Subfamily,
COLYMBINiE, or Divers,
have the head long, straight, with the tip curved, and the sides compressed ; the Nostrils basal, lateral,
and placed in a groove, with the opening linear and pervious : the Wings long and pointed : the Tail
very short : the Tarsi short, and much compressed : the Toes long ; the fore toes united together by an
entire web ; the hind toe short, and slightly margined by a membrane.
Colymbus Linn.*
Bill long, strong, and straight, with the apical portion of the culmen curved, and the sides compressed
to the tip, which is acute ; the gonys long and ascending ; the nostrils basal, lateral, and placed in a
membranous groove, with the opening linear and pervious. Wings long and pointed, with the first and
second quills the longest. Tail very short and rounded. Tarsi shorter than the outer toe, much
compressed, and covered with reticulated scales. Toes long ; the anterior toes united together by an
entire web, and the inner side of the internal toe margined by a membrane ; the hind toe short, and
margined by a small membrane ; the claws moderate, broad, and depressed.
The species of this genus are found in the Arctic circle, but migrating to the more temperate climates during severe
winters. They are observed on the sea coast, and on the lakes and ponds of the interior. They are usually noticed in
pairs, or in small parties, swimming about in search of fish and other aquatic animals, which constitute their food, and
after which they are able to dive and remain a long time under water, and when they return to the surface, they seldom
expose more than the neck. They swim and dive with the greatest velocity, but they rarely fly, and then their flight is
performed heavily and high in the air. The eggs, which are two to four in number, are deposited on the bare ground,
or in a nest composed of dry weeds, but in either case they are placed near the water's edge.

• Established by Linnaeus in 1735. Cepphus of Mcehring (1752), Urinator of Cuvier (between 179Qand 1800), and Emlytesof IUiger