in THE SERVICE OF TAILS 91 



others, a prominent part is often assigned to the tail 

 as a badge of identity, especially among mammals 

 and birds. In many species of mammals it is con- 

 spicuously colored above, but is white underneath, 

 in which case it is likely to be carried erect. 

 Deer, goats, and certain antelopes are good ex- 

 amples; and their white cocked-up tails are the 

 most noticeable part of them as they flee away, 

 forming an unmistakable mark to guide their 

 companions whose safety lies in keeping in a close 

 herd. Our common little gray rabbit, or " Molly 

 Cotton-tail," is another good example ; and a still 

 more striking one is afforded by the skunk, as is 

 explained in the chapter on that interesting ani- 

 mal. Such badges are called " recognition colors " ; 

 and their primary purpose if the correctness of 

 the theory be conceded is to bring the sexes 

 together. I have spoken of tails of this conspicu- 

 ous sort as serving the purpose of marriage- 

 advertisements to their wearers. 



This term applies even more exactly to the 

 adornments of the tail (or tail coverts) of many 

 birds, such as are seen in the resplendent fan of 

 the peacock, the immensely long and exquisitely 

 ocellated trains of the argus and other oriental 

 pheasants, the lustrous expanse of the wild turkey, 

 and in many other large birds, which display these 

 ornaments to their fullest extent, while they pose 

 and strut before the females to attract their 

 preference. But there are many smaller birds in 



