In their flight they frequently twist about with extreme quickness, and dexterously manage with their projecting lower mandible to plough up small fish, which are secured by the upper and shorter half of their scissor-like bills.
This fact I repeatedly saw, as, like swallows, they continued to fly backwards and forwards close before me.

Occasionally when leaving the surface of the water their flight was wild, irregular, and rapid; they then uttered loud harsh cries.

When these birds are fishing, the advantage of the long primary feathers of their wings, in keeping them dry, is very evident.

When thus employed, their forms resemble the symbol by which many artists represent marine birds.

Their tails are much used in steering their irregular course.
These birds are common far inland along the course of the Rio Parana; it is said that they remain here during the whole year, and breed in the marshes.