348 The Bird 



In the woodcock we find the vane of the three outer 

 primaries of the wing remarkably narrowed and stiffened; 

 probably a direct adaptation for the production of the 

 high, whistling sound which plays so important a part 

 in its aerial courtship performance. 



Fig. 279. — Wing ornaments of Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise. 



As upon all other parts of the bird's body, we find 

 beautiful decorations upon the wings — inexplicable unless 

 we are willing to credit the females with appreciation of^ 

 or at least a reaction to, these beauties. Otherwise we 

 know not the uses of the brilliant wing-mirrors of ducks, 

 or the scarlet wax-like tips of the Cedar-bird's feathers. 



