41 6 The Bird 



times as long as their tiny bodies. \Vhen a heavy dew 

 falls during the night, drenching the plumage of these 

 birds, they become helpless and quite unable to fly. At 

 such times many are killed by their natural enemies; 

 and such indeed is their helplessness, brought about by 



Fig. 331. — Male Paradise Whydah-bird showing tail. 



this excess of nuptial dress, that a person can pick them 

 up in the hand without difficulty. 



The beautiful tails of pheasants are in harmony with 

 the wealth of colour which many of these birds display 

 upon other parts of the body; the long graceful tail of the 

 Reeves being especially striking. 



The folded, roof-shaped tail of the common rooster^ 



