214 LOST AND VANISHING BIRDS 



case the procuration of the plumes does not involve 

 death, the coveted feathers (a tuft under the wing) 

 being pulled out, and the bird restored to liberty. 



The Mamo was an exquisitely beautiful bird, 

 having most of the upper parts black, with the 

 exception of the lower back, rump, and upper tail 

 coverts, which are yellow ; many of the smaller 

 feathers on the wing are yellow, but the quills are 

 black ; the tail also is black ; the under wing 

 coverts white ; the general colour of the under parts 

 dusky, except the vent and the thighs, which are 

 yellow. The total length of this bird was about 

 eight inches ; the bill, long, slender, and sickle- 

 shaped, nearly two inches in length. 



