234 STORIES ABOUT BIRLS. 



is furnished with a very long bill, which, as you see, curves down from the 

 middle. The end of the bill, as far as the bend, is black, and then a reddish 

 yellow. The tongue is large and fleshy, and fills up the whole of the bill, 

 and the tip is gristly. 



Its long legs rather link it with the waders, but the three front toes are 

 united by a web, as in the case of the water-birds. 



The plumage of the head, when in its full perfection, is deep scarlet, with 

 black quills. 



As it strides about upon its stilt-like legs, with its enormous length of 

 neck, we should regard it as a most uncouth creature but for its splendid 

 scarlet robe, that excites our admiration. 



It lives with its companions in a flock, and the flock stand in a line, like 

 sentinels, clad in their red uniform. One of the band acts as a watchman, 

 and if any danger approaches, utters a scream like the sound of a trumpet. 

 Then the whole flock rise in the air with loud clamour, and look very much 

 like a fiery cloud. 



The creeks and ravines of tropical countries in Asia and Africa abound 

 with flamingoes. They are seen standing as in the picture, and present a 

 most grotesque appearance. Their way of feeding is very peculiar. They 

 twist their neck in such a way that the upper part of the bill touches the 

 ground, while they disturb the mud with their webbed feet, and raise up the 

 insects and spawn of which they are in search. 



In the summer the flock of flamingoes will take a journey northward as 

 far as the Rhine. When they are on the wing they have a very splendid 

 appearance. They look like a great fiery triangle. All at once they slacken 

 their speed, hover for a moment, and then alight on the banks of the river. 

 They range themselves in the usual line, place their guards, and begin at once 

 to fish. 



Considering the enormous length of its legs, you would wonder how the 

 bird contrives to hatch its eggs, or what kind of a nest it builds. 



It is a mason bird, and forms its nest of mud, in the shape of a hillock, 

 with a hole at the top. Here the mother bird lays two eggs about the size of 

 those of the goose. 



The nest is high enough to allow her to throw her legs across it and sit 

 upon the eggs, in an attitude as if she were riding. The flamingo sitting on 

 its nest in this manner has been compared to a man on a high stool, with his 



