318 GEALLATOEES, OE WADING BIEDS. 



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 splendid 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 colouring of its wings, 

 gave the Flamingo the designation of PJmnicopterus (fiery- 

 winged) : this term was popularised in France by the word 

 Flambant, or Flamant: hence the name by which the bird is 

 universally known. 



Flamingoes inhabit the margins of lakes and ponds, more 

 rarely the sea- shore, or the banks of rivers. They feed on worms, 

 mollusks, and the spawn of fishes, which they capture by the 

 following stratagem : they place their long neck and head in 

 such a position that the upper mandible of their bill is the lowest ; 

 then, by stirring the mud about in every direction, they easily 

 succeed in disturbing the small fish which have settled in it, 

 and afterwards in capturing them. They also use their feet for 

 working the ooze and uncovering the fry and spawn to which 

 they are partial. They love company, and live in flocks, which 

 are subject to strict discipline. When they are fishing they 

 draw themselves up into long, straight, and regular files, placing 

 a sentinel, whose office it is to give a signal of alarm on the 

 approach of danger. If any cause for uneasiness should arise, the 

 scout-bird gives a piercing cry, not unlike the note of a trumpet, 

 and the whole flock immediately take wing in perfect order. 



Flamingoes are very shy and timid birds, and shun all attempts 

 of man to approach them ; the vicinity of animals, however, they 

 disregard. Any one who is acquainted with this fact can take 

 advantage of it so as to effect slaughter of these beautiful creatures 

 by dressing himself up in the skin of a horse or an ox. Thus 

 disguised, the sportsman may get close to them and shoot them 

 down at his ease. So long as their enemy is invisible they remain 

 immovable, the noise of the gun only stupefying them, so that 

 they refuse to leave, although their companions are dropping 

 down dead around them. 



Some authors have asserted that the Flamingo makes use of 

 its long neck as a third leg, walking with its head resting on 



