92 THE FLIGHT OF BIRDS 



from wing-tip to wing-tip was only 18 inches. In 

 fact it was a very short, broad, much-curved wing. 

 The Pheasant's wing belongs to the same class ; it 

 is very short (in a hen bird of which I took measure- 

 ments, only 20 J inches) ; very broad (6 inches) ; 

 and the curve in this particular bird was no less than 

 1J inches — If in 6 ! (see PI. xiii). 



The Hoopoe's wing is very much of the same build 

 — unfortunately I cannot give exact measurements 

 — and yet, when the season of migration comes 

 round, many Hoopoes manage somehow to flap 

 across the Mediterranean. As a rule migrating birds 

 are characterized by wings of a very different make, 

 and it sometimes happens that the wing is the 

 feature in which they present the most striking 

 contrast to their non-migratory kin. The clamorous 

 Reed- Warbler, that is resident in Egypt, shows by 

 his wings that he does not migrate — they are so very 

 short. The migrant Reed- Warblers have decidedly 

 longer and more pointed wings. As to the Hoopoe 

 and its short, broad wings, it must be remembered 

 that though it manages to cross the Mediterranean 

 when the conditions are favourable, yet its migration 

 flights are comparatively short. Some, I believe, 

 do not migrate at all. If they are delayed by clouds 

 while crossing the Mediterranean, their strength is 

 apt to give out, whereas Herons and Swallows, to 

 take two examples, have a reserve of vitality and 

 will fly round a steamboat for hours, till, perhaps, 

 the weather clears again, when with unflagging 

 strength they will continue their journey. 



To pass on to the Red-legged Partridge, I found 

 the depth of the curve to be 1 inch, as in the Jay, but 



