236 THE STORY OF THE BIRDS 



the birds utters a thrice-repeated cry, apparently 

 a note of invitation, responded to by birds on all 

 sides, which hurriedly repair to the recognised 

 trysting-place. Perhaps a score birds so con- 

 gregate, bursting through the reeds and running 

 on to the open space, when the singular per- 

 formance commences. Mr. Hudson describes 

 this as a " tremendous screaming concert," 

 screams, shrieks, and moans being uttered in 

 quick succession, and all the time the birds rush 

 from side to side as if gone mad, the wings 

 extended and vibrating, and the long beak 

 opened wide and raised vertically. The whole 

 performance lasts but a few minutes, after which 

 the birds disperse to their own particular haunts. 

 Still more curious is the festive dance of a 

 species of South American Jacana, a performance 

 which Mr. Hudson tells us seems specially de- 

 signed to bring out the concealed beauty of 

 the silky greenish-golden wing feathers. These 

 birds live in pairs, and sometimes a dozen may 

 be seen feeding on marshy ground within sight 

 of each other. In response to a note of invi- 

 tation from one of the birds, the others cease 

 feeding, and fly to a certain spot, where, forming 

 a close cluster and uttering excited notes, they 

 display their wings like flags grouped closely 



