MAN-OF-WAR BIRD. 



71 



Nestlings, when newly hatched are naked, and dull bluish in color throughout. When about ten dnvs 



ei. appeal. In a month the wmg quills appear, and the tail feathers bud, th.n the other feathers follow. 



Fig. 21. 



Man-of-war. Young, two days old, from Little Cayman, April 22, 1888. 



Habits. I found quite a large breeding jjlace of the Man-of-wars on Little Cajraan. 

 The stick built nests, which were small for the size of the birds, were placed on mangroves 

 and although on April 22, most of the nests contained young, I succeeded in findin"- 

 four nests which contained an addled egg each, and upon each of which a female was 

 sitting. All other nests contained a single yonng bird, which, when newly hatched, was 

 carefully guarded by the male. When such a nest was approached the old bird would 

 rise on his feet, still keeping over his progeny, and repeatedly bow his head, occasionally 

 touching his oflspring with his bill. I could easily catch him in my hands before he would 

 leave. When forced to go, he would fly a short distance, but would quickly return 

 and settle lightly on the nest or on the branches near it. When captured both sexes do- 



