PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS 101 



little air under them, the i^rinciple being the same 

 as in clapping the hands. 



Both sexes of the conmion snipe and other 

 species make a "drumming" or "bleating" sound at 

 certain seasons that is very unusual. From a great 

 height these birds suddenly descend with increased 

 speed and expanded tail. The outer feathers of 

 the tail are held at right angles to the body, and 

 being strong and peculiarly curved, with a wider 

 web for resisting the air, a sound like that of a drum 

 beaten lightly and with marvellous rapidity is pro- 

 duced. 



Manakins of South America make music in a 

 mysterious way while on the wing. One of them, 

 the black penelope of Guatemala, has been often 

 observed in this feat. While flying he suddenly 

 plunges toward the earth with outspread wings, 

 and during this descent the peculiar crashing sound 

 is heard. It is somehow produced by the strange 

 formation of the quills, but the manner is not ex- 

 actly known. 



The white stork is possessed of a castanet in its 

 bill. By throwing its head far back till its beak 

 almost touches its back, the jaws are made to rat- 

 tle rapidly. This can be continued as the bird 

 slowly brings its head up in a half-circle and down 

 to the ground. Often a number of these stately 



