CHAP. 63. (46.)—THE MODE OF DRINKING WITH BIRDS. THE
PORPHYRIO.
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 [Note] 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.
