xxvin BEAKS 353 



mode in which the flamingoes sit on their nests. This 

 is a low truncated cone of mud with a depression at the 

 top for eggs, fashioned at the margin of a lake 

 containing brackish water. This cone varies from two 

 to fifteen inches in height, and the flamingo sits on it 

 with the legs doubled under her, and the neck folded 

 on the trunk with the head directed forward (p. 171.) 



Flamingoes congregate in immense flocks, and when, 

 as is often the case in the secluded lakes of East Africa, 

 they stand together like a huge army, the area of the 

 lake occupied by them seems to be covered by a pink 

 cloud. The rosy pink of the feathers and legs of these 

 birds is exquisite. The colouring matter permeates the 

 skeleton and persists when the bones are macerated. 

 When they rise on the wing, the black pinions (remiges) 

 are exposed and then the scarlet wing coverts come 

 well into the picture, forming a feast of colour. When 

 a flock of flamingoes rises from the water, it leaves 

 an impression which, like a glorious vision, is never 

 forgotten. 



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