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LIBER X · CAPUT 46

THE MODE OF DRINKING WITH BIRDS. THE PORPHYRIO

THE MODE OF DRINKING WITH BIRDS. THE PORPHYRIO. Complete modern editorial illustration created specifically for this chapter.
THE MODE OF DRINKING WITH BIRDS. THE PORPHYRIO · EDITORIAL PLATE X.46 · modern editorial plate
THE MODE OF DRINKING WITH BIRDS. THE PORPHYRIO. Complete modern editorial illustration created specifically for this chapter.

Latine · Mayhoff 1906

Bibunt aves suctu, ex iis, quibus longa colla, intermittentes et capite resupinato velut infundentes sibi; porphyrio solus morsu bibit. idem est proprio genere, omnem cibum aqua subinde tinguens, deinde pede ad rostrum veluti manu adferens. laudatissimi in Commagene. rostra iis et praelonga crura rubent.

English · Bostock & Riley 1855–57

Birds drink by suction; those which have a long neck taking their drink in a succession of draughts, and throwing the head back, as though they were pouring the water down the throat. The porphyrio is the only bird that seems to bite at the water as it drinks. The same bird has also other peculiarities of its own; for it will every now and then dip its food in the water, and then lift it with its foot to its bill, using it as a hand. Those that are the most esteemed are found in Commagene. They have beaks and very long legs, of a red colour.