468 



THE BERNICLE GOOSE. 



and, placiug the upper mandible of the curiously-bent beak on the 

 ground or under the water, separates the nutritive portions with a kind 

 of spattering sound, like that of a duck when feeding. The tongue 

 of the Flamingo is very thick and of a soft oily consistence, covered 

 with curved spines pointing backward, and not muscular. 



A flock of these birds feeding along the seashore has a curious ap- 

 pearance, bending their long necks in regular succession as the waves 



dash upon the shore, and raising 



them as the ripple passes away along 

 the strand. At each wing is always 

 placed a sentinel bird, which makes 

 no attempt to feed, but remains with 

 neck erect and head turning con- 

 stantly about to detect the least in- 

 dication of danger. AVhen a flock 

 of Flamingos is passing overhead, 

 they have a wonderfully fine effect, 

 their plumage changing from pure 

 white to flashing rose as they wave 

 their broad wings. 



When at rest and lying on the 

 ground with the legs doubled under 

 the body, the Flamingo is still grace- 

 ful, bending its neck into snaky coils, 

 and preening every part of its plum- 

 age with an ease almost incredible. 

 Its long and apparently clumsy legs 

 are equally under command, for the 

 bird can scratch its cheeks with its toes as easily as can a sparrow or a 

 canary. 



When flying the Flamingo still associates itself with its comrades, 

 and the flock form themselves into regular shapes, each band evidently 

 acting under the command of a leader. The eggs are white, their 

 number is two or three, and the young birds are all able to run at an 

 early age. Like many other long-legged birds, the Flamingo has a 

 habit of standing on one leg, the other being drawn up and hidden 

 among the plumage. 



The curious beak of this bird is orange-yellow at the base and black 

 at the extremity, and the cere is flesh-colored. When in full plumage 

 the color is brilliant scarlet, with the exception of the quill feathers, 

 which are jetty black. A full-grown bird will measure from five to 

 SIX feet in height. 



The Bernicle Goose is found on our shores, and seems to prefer the 

 western to the eastern coasts. 



-^i^^ - -^ 



The Flamingo {Phanicoptems 

 ruber). 



