256 REPTILES AND BIRDS. 
with the distinguishing brand of the society to which the parent bird 
belonged. 
Two species of Swans were recognised by Linnzus ; but later 
naturalists, and notably the Prince of Canino, record four species 
as known in Europe — designating Cygnus olor, C. zmmutabilts, 
C. musicus, and C. Bewickii—besides the American species, namely, 
= americanus and C. duccinator. ‘There is another species peculiar 
to Australia, which is entirely black: efforts have been made suc- 
cessfully to naturalise it in Europe. 
THE BLAck Swan (Cygzus atratus). 
We here give a representation (Fig. 94) of the Black Swan of 
Australia. This bird, which has now become so common in our 
ornamental waters, in some respects resembles the white species ; it 
is all black, except a few of the secondary feathers, which are white. 
In a state of Nature, the Black Swans are generally seen floating on 
lakes in flocks of eight or nine. When disturbed, they fly in single 
file, and are so shy that it is very difficult to get within gunshot. 
Their note is less harsh than that of the Whistling Swan.- 
THE FLAMINGO (Phanicopterus). 
The Flamingoes (Phwnicopierus) are one of the most curious of 
the tribe of Waders. The most fanciful imagination would fail to 
picture to itself anything more odd than the conformation of this 
bird. Extremely long legs, supporting quite a small body; a neck 
corresponding in length with the legs; a bill rather long than other- 
wise, sharply curved and apparently broken in the middle, contrived 
probably to discourage those who are tempted to describe it; wings 
of a middling size, and a short tail—such are the distinctive features 
of this remarkable-looking bird. The long legs terminate in equally 
long feet, with three toes in front; hind toe articulated high up the 
tarsus, and very short ; anterior toes united by a deeply-indented 
membrane. Add to this a plumage of a rose-colour, warming into a 
bright red on the back and wings, and we have an object calculated 
to excite both wonder and admiration. 
Ancient writers, struck with the vivid colourings of its wings, gave 
the Flamingo the designation of Phenicopterus (fiery-winged) ; this 
term was popularised in France by the word flambant, or flamant; 
hence the name by which the bird is universally known, 
