188 HISTOHY OF 



parr of the rump above tbe tail, and which are usually about 

 three feet long. These are bearded only at the beginning and 

 the end ; the whole shaft, for about two feet nine inches, being 

 of a deep black, while the feathered extremity is of a changeable 

 colour, like the mallard's neck. 



This bird, which for beauty exceeds all others of the pie kind, 

 is a native of the Molucca Islands, but found in greatest num- 

 bers in that of Aro. There, in the delightful and spicy woods 

 of the country, do these beautiful creatures fly in large flocks ; 

 .so that the groves which produce the richest spices produce the 

 finest birds also. The inhabitants themselves are not insensible 

 of the pleasure these aflJbrd, and give them the name of God's 

 birds, as being superior to all others that he has made. They 

 live in large flocks, and at night generally perch upon the same 

 tree. They are called by some, the swallows of Ternate, from 

 their rapid flight, and from their being continually on the wing 

 in pursuit of insects, their usual prey. 



As the country where they are bred has its tempestuous sea- 

 son, when rains and thunders continually disturb the atmosphere, 

 these birds are then but seldom seen. It is thought that they then 

 fly to other countries, where their food appears in greater abun- 

 dance ; for, like swallows, they have their stated times of return. 

 In the beginning of the month of August, they are seen in great 

 numbers flying together ; and as the inhabitants would have us 

 believe, following their king, who is distinguished from the rest 

 by the lustre of his plumage, and that respect and veneration 

 which is paid him.* In the evening they perch upon the highest 



* They always migrate in flocks of thirty or forty, and have a leader, 

 which the inhabitants of Aro call the king. He is said to be black, to have 

 red spots, and to fly far above the flock, which never desert him, but always 

 settle in the same place that he does. They never fly with the wind, as in 

 that case their loose plumage would be rufiled, and blown over their heads ; 

 imd a change of wind often compels them to alight on the ground, from 

 Mliich they cannot rise ^vithout great difliculty. When they are surprised 

 by a heavy gale, they instantly soar to a higher region, beyond the reach of 

 the tempest There, in a serene sky, they float at ease on their light flow- 

 ing feathers, or pursue their journey in security. During their flight they 

 cry like starlings ; but when a storm blows in their rear, they express their 

 disiressed situation by a note somewhat resembling the croaking of a raven. 

 In calm weather, great numbers of these birds may be seen flying, both id 

 companies and singly, in pursuit of the large butterflies and other .nsect^ 

 on which they feed. 



