258 



The Bird 



where they by rights belong — upon a bird. Among 

 birds we find a more remarkable development of crests 

 than in any other class of animals. Indeed nearly all 

 birds have the power of slightly raising the feathers on 

 the head. 



Fig. 200. — Crest of Java Peacock. 



Most, if not all, plumes and crests are probably orna- 

 mental, and, since many are more highly developed in 

 the male sex and at breeding-time, we must conclude 

 that they are of value in attracting and holding the at- 

 tention of the females during the period of courtship. 



What a list of these crests we may compile in a walk- 

 through a zoological park! The photographs show the 

 grace and delicacy of these feathers, to which words can 



