FL\Ml^GO. — Phcrniwptents ruhfr. 



Tlie well-known Flamingo brings us to tlie large and imx^ortant order of Anseres, or 

 the goose tribe. 



The common Flamingo is plentiful in many parts of the Old World, and may be seen in 

 gi'eat numbers on the sea-shore, or the banks of large and pestilential marshes, the evil 

 atmosphere of which has no effect on these birds, though to many animals it is most 

 injurious, and to man a certain death. When feeding the Flamingo bends its neck, 

 and placing the iipper mandible of the curiously bent beak on the ground or under the 

 water, separates the nutritive portions with a kind of spattering sound, like that of a duck 

 when feeding. The tongTie of the Flamingo is very thick, and of a soft oily consistence, 

 covered with curved spines pointing backwards, and not muscular. 



A flock of these birds feeding along the sea-shore have a curious appearance, bending 

 their long necks in regidar succession as the waves dash upon the shore, and raising them 

 as the ripple passes away along the strand. At each wing is always placed a sentinel 

 bird which makes no attempt to feed, but remains with neck erect and head turning 

 constantly about to detect the least indication of danger. When a flock of Flamingos 

 is passing overhead, they have a wonderfully fine effect, their plumage changing from pure 

 white to flashing rose as they wave their broad wings. 



When at rest and lying on the gi'ound, with the legs doubled under the body, the 

 Flamingo is still graceful, bending its neck into snaky coils, and preening every part of 

 its plumage with an ease almost incredible. Its long and apparently clumsy legs are 

 equally under command, for the bird can scratch its cheeks with its toes as easily as a 

 sparrow or a canary. 



