200 ^Ir. W. Eagle Clavke— Ornithology 



bill as they endeavour to escape in all directions. It is true 

 that the Flamingo has not hitherto, we believe, been re- 

 corded to feed on animals of this class. But, then, do we 

 know much about the food of this bird in a state of nature ? 

 It is usually considered to be largely a vegetarian, but that 

 it cannot be at'Valcar^s. 



During the intervals of feeding some of the birds indulged 

 in a little billing of an amatory nature, which was amusing 

 to witness on the part of such sedate-looking and somewhat 

 ungainly birds. 



After midday they usually took a siesta, resting in a 

 great variety of attitudes ; some standing on one leg, others 

 sleeping with their heads tucked away. All were far off in 

 the centre of the etang. 



When suspicious of our attentions, which usually happened 

 when we had approached to within 500 yards or less, the 

 birds ceased feeding, raised their heads to their fullest height, 

 and commenced to stalk about uneasily, with a measured 

 dignified gait, and a half- frightened air, that were quite 

 ludicrous to witness. On our advancing still nearer the 

 wings were spread, and then it is that the beauty of the 

 Flamingo is seen to its greatest perfection and advantage. 

 And to witness the simultaneous unfolding of a thousand 

 lovely crimson and black pinions under brilliant sunlight is 

 a sight the recollection of which will not readily be effaced 

 from our memories. On these occasions the flock did not 

 run forward to rise on the wing, but we noticed that they 

 deliberately turned and faced a gentle breeze that was blowing 

 and rose with perfect ease. Their appearance when on the 

 wing, with the neck and legs outstretched, is well known ; 

 and their wing-action resembles that of the Geese. They do 

 not, under ordinary circumstances, fly very high, but we 

 observed them on one occasion at about 200 feet. When 

 flying these birds are stated to assume the V-formation 

 which is characteiistically anserine. This may be quite true, 

 perhaps, especially so when on their migrations. We never, 

 however, observed its adoption, though we several times 

 witnessed the whole herd frequenting the Camargue on the 



