270 THE BIRDS 



on the morrow they literally swarmed over every square foot of 

 the island ; and twelve months later hawks in myriads thronged 

 to its bright beams for four nights in succession, accompanied by 

 starlings in hardly fewer numbers. 



" Only where the lighthouses show a red light do the migrants 

 pass unharmed, the ruddy beam failing to exert any influence over 

 them." 



One cannot help wishing that all lighthouses could be fitted 

 with perches and other simple devices, which have proved, in the 

 two or three cases where they have been adopted, of the greatest 

 value in affording the birds a temporary rest, and diminishing the 

 mortality caused by their dashing themselves against the windows. 



One curious fact about migrating birds is that in many cases 

 the young ones and the adults do not make the journey together; 

 As a rule the young birds start first ; and it is difficult to under- 

 stand how it is possible that they can find their way over a route 

 they have never travelled before. Among the cuckoos this order is 

 reversed, the old birds leaving the country several weeks before 

 the young ones are fit to make the journey. 



Many birds have the most curious and interesting courtship 

 habits. At the commencement of the breeding season the males 

 do their utmost to outshine one another and win the admiration 

 of the hen birds. Brilliant plumage, at this time of the year in 

 its greatest beauty, vocal accomplishments, strength and acrobatic 

 dexterity, are all employed by different species to attract the 

 favourable attention of the desired mate, who in many instances 

 appears to show the greatest indifference to these performances. 

 The blackbird may be noticed in the springtime strutting about 

 with a self-conscious air in his glossy courting suit bowing, flirting 

 and spreading his tail, and trying to show himself off to the best 

 advantage ; and the too familiar house-sparrow goes through the 

 most absurd antics as, with drooping wing and upraised tail, he 

 struts round the little hen. But these exhibitions are nothing in com- 

 parison to the extraordinary performances which some of the more 

 remarkable of the birds indulge in during the courting season. The 

 great Australian bustard (Eupodotis australis) distinguishes himself 

 by swelling out his large throat-pouch, going through at the 

 same time a series of grotesque movements. Dr. Murie describes 

 the proceedings of this bird as follows: 



