264 The Bird 



spicuous even in contrast with the gorgeous ornamenta- 

 tion of the body of this feathered harlequin. Of birds 

 of prey, the Harpy Eagle has perhaps the most imposing 

 crown of feathers. 



Sometimes the crest is sharply set off from the rest 

 of the bird's plumage, as in the scarlet-plumed wood- 

 peckers, whose crests give them the appearance of having 

 long hair, which is gracefully brushed straight backward 

 and upward. 



We must not discuss the subject of crests without men- 

 tion of two birds of extraordinary appearance, the Crowned 

 Crane and the Umbrella-bird. The former illustrates 

 admirabl}^ what strange and unfeather-like forms, feathers 

 may assume in the course of evolution. The illustration 

 shows better than words can describe the dense, velvety 

 cap of plush-like feathers, and the glorious crown of a 

 myriad radiating points — a decoration unrivalled, even 

 among birds, in exquisite colour and delicacy. In addi- 

 tion to this, the cheeks are entirely bare of feathers, and 

 the lower half suffused with blood, which shows through 

 the skin, — an ever-changing blush of deep pink. 



The decorations of the Umbrella-bird are as beautiful 

 as they are bizarre; while if shorn of its crest and streamers, 

 this bird would resemble a small crow in appearance. 

 The crest really bears a resemblance to the article which 

 has given the bird its name — a high, arching mass of 

 feathers, overshadowing the entire head and beak, con- 

 tinually spreading and partly closing again, as the bird's 

 emotions change. From the neck of the bird dangles a 

 streamer of black feathers, as long as the bird's entire 



