332 BIRDS OF DAMARA LAND. 



The Flamingo feeds both during the day and the 

 night : but I suspect that the latter is its principal feed- 

 ing time; for about sunset flocks varying from a few 

 individuals to many hundreds may be seen pursuing 

 their flight in various directions, and their loud croaking 

 voices may be heard throughout the night. 



The favourite resorts of these birds are shallows 

 partially left dry by the ebbing tide ; here they indus- 

 triously search for the small Crustacea, marine animal- 

 cula, and sea-grasses which constitute their food. 



The Flamingo is strictly a wading bird, but on rare 

 occasions will make use of its webbed feet by resorting 

 to deep water, evidently for the sake of the fun of the 

 thing. 



Once, whilst stationed at Walwich Bay, I observed 

 these birds for several consecutive days thus amusing 

 themselves. About 10 or 11 a.m. they began to congregate 

 at a particular spot, a short distance outside the lagoon, 

 settling in about five or six feet of water ; and I believe 

 that every Flamingo for miles round must have joined in 

 this singular assembly, for the number collected amounted 

 to several thousands ; and the scene, as may be supposed, 

 was both pretty and striking. 



This species is invariably in good condition, and is 

 often enormously fat. The young birds are not bad 

 eating, but, being rather fishy, require to be well cooked 

 and spiced after all the fatty matter has been carefully 

 removed. 



In newly fledged specimens the bill and legs are of a 

 very dark purple ; but as the bird approaches its adult 



