274 VERTEBRATA. AVES. 



noise, and cleaning them against the perch, as if 

 welcoming the arrival of a companion. 



" One of the best opportunities of seeing this splen- 

 did bird in all its beauty of action, as well as display 

 of plumage, is early in the morning, when he makes 

 his toilet : the beautiful sub -alar plumage is then 

 thrown out, and cleaned from any spot that may sully 

 its purity, by being gently passed through the bill ; 

 the short, chocolate coloured wings are extended to the 

 utmost, and he keeps them in a steady napping mo- 

 tion, as if in imitation of their use in flight, at 

 the same time raising up the delicate long feathers 

 over the back, which are spread in a chaste and ele- 

 gant manner, floating like films in the ambient air. 

 In this position the bird will remain for a short time, 

 seemingly proud of its heavenly beauty, and in rap- 

 tures of delight with its most enchanting self ; it will 

 then assume various attitudes, so as to regard its plu- 

 mage in every direction. 



"I never yet beheld a soil on its feathers. After 

 expanding the wings, it would bring them together, 

 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 same time its croaking notes ; it then pecks 

 and cleans its plumage in every part within reach, 

 and throwing 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 



