THE GAME-BIRDS AND RAILS 



23 



of plumes does not represent the tail, as is popularh- 

 supposed, but is made up of the feathers of the 

 lower part of the back and the upper tail-coverts. 

 These graduall)- increase in length from before-back- 

 wards, culminating in the long and exc[uisite feathers 

 which form the circumference of the huge, outspread 

 shield. This shield is properl_\- called the "train"; 

 the true tail lies behind it and acts as a support. 

 When the bird is about to display, the " train " 

 feathers are slowlv and gently raised till the well- 

 known fan-shaped glory of green and gold and blue 

 is exposed to the fullest possible extent. 



" Watch the bird trying to do his best to 

 persuade his chosen what a handsome fellow he is. 

 He first places himself more or less in front of her, 

 but at some little distance off; and then, w-atching 

 his opportunity, walks rapidly backwards, going faster 

 and faster and faster, till, arrived within a foot, he 

 suddenly, lil^e a flash, turns round and displays to 

 the full his trul_\- gorgeous vestments. This turning 

 movement is accompanied by a \ioIent shaking of 

 the train, the quills of which rattle like the pattering 

 of rain upon leaves. Often this movement is followed 

 by a loud scream. 



" When the train is fully erect, it will be noticed that it lies so far forward that the 

 bird's head and neck appear as if rising from its base. In a side view the whole body, from 

 the front of the wings backwards, appears to lie behind the train." 



This bird is a native of India, where it is held in great reverence b\- the Hindus, and 









Tih 



'■<fr*rK 



NEST OF BRUSH-TURKEY 



is made hy several birds^ of decaying vegelable matter^ 

 in ivhich the eggs are laid and left to hatch 



Fhtu h C. Riid] 



TURKEY COCK AND HEN 



The curious ** tassel'^ depending from the breast h found in no other bird 



L.* rj^JLi', .\,. 



