46 ITS PRIDE. 



bient air. In this position the bird would remain 

 for a short time, seemingly proud of its heavenly 

 beauty, and in raptures of delight with its most 

 enchanting self; it will then assume various 

 attitudes, so as to regard its plumage in every 

 direction. 



I never yet beheld a soil on its feathers. After 

 expanding the wings it would bring them toge- 

 ther so as to conceal the head, then, bending 

 it gracefully, it would inspect the state of its 

 plumage underneath. This action is repeated 

 in quick succession, uttering at the time its 

 croaking notes ; it then pecks and cleans its 

 plumage in every part within reach, and throw- 

 ing out the elegant and delicate tuft of feathers 

 underneath the wings, seemingly with much 

 care, and with not a little pride, they are 

 cleaned in succession, if required, by throwing 

 them abroad, elevating, and passing them in 

 succession through the bill. Then, turning its 

 back to the spectator, the actions above-men- 

 tioned are repeated, but not in so careful a 

 manner; elevating its tail and long shaft feathers, 

 it raises the delicate plumage of a similar cha- 

 racter to the sub-alar, forming a beautiful dorsal 

 crest, and, throwing its feathers up with much 

 grace, appears as proud as a lady dressed in her 

 full ball-dress. Having completed the toilet, 



