CLASS II. AVES: ORDER 8. NATATORES. 309 



THE FLAMINGO, SWANS, ETC. 



Oenus PIIQ^NICOPTERUS : Phoenicopterus. — This includes the Flamingoes, remarkable for 

 their long legs, long neck, and large and powerful mandibles, bent downward from the mid- 

 dle. They have frequently been grouped with the Gi-allatores, but in their habits and mode of 

 life they approach more nearly to the Natatorcs. They live upon the sea-shore, where thev feed 

 upon moUusca, Crustacea, and young fishes, for which they dabble about in the mud and sand 

 with their broad bills, in exactly the same manner as a duck, and when thus employed the object 

 of the peculiar conformation of the bill is ])lainly seen. When the neck is turned downward to 

 reach the ground in the most natural position, the bent apical portion of the upper mandible is 

 necessarily directed downward ; this, then, takes the place of the lower mandible in the duck, 

 and serves to scoop and feel about in the mud. The tongue also assists wonderfully in the pro- 

 cess of straining the muddy water, and retaining the food ; it is furnished with numerous spines 

 on its surface, and these are pressed by the mere weight of the tongue against the lamellae of the 

 upper mandible when the animal is feeding with its head in this reversed position. They are very 

 gregarious birds in their habits, collecting into large troops in the marslies, where they follow the 

 rise and fall of the tide in their search for food, so that they are often seen extcndinsr in single 

 file over a considerable space. 



The Common Flamingo of Europe, P. antiquorum, stands about five feet in height, and is of a 

 fine rose-color, with bright red wings ; when several are seen in line they appear like a regiment of 

 British soldiers. While the community is engaged in seeking the means of subsistence, certain 

 of its members are employed in the capacity of sentinels, to give notice of the approach of dan- 

 ger; this is done by a loud cry, like the sound of a trumpet, on hearing which the whole will 

 take wing and escape to some place of greater security. They also migrate in large flocks, flying 

 in an angular line, like that formed by geese and swans in their migrations. They make a most 

 singular nest of mud, in the shape of a hillock, with a cavity at the top; in this they lay two or 

 three white eggs, and then sit astride upon the top with one leg on each side. The young are 

 able to run within a few days after their exclusion from the agg. This species is found in the 

 south of Europe, especially in Sicily, Calabria, and Sardinia, but it is more abundant in the warm 

 regions of Africa and Asia. They are exceedingly beautiful birds, their plumage being of the 

 most delicate character, and their flesh is said to be equally good. Flamingoes were among the 

 objects of the extravagance of the Roman epicures, and a dish of the tongues of these birds was 

 regarded as a great delicacy. 



The American Flamingo — P. Chilensis of Molina — P. ruber of Wilson — is of nearly the 

 same size and habits as the preceding, with which, in fact, it is confounded by many naturalists. 

 It is found on the Pacific as well as the Atlantic coasts of tropical America; also in the West 

 Indies, and on the border of Florida. A smaller species, P. minor, is said to exist in South 

 Africa. 



Gemis CYGNUS : Cygnus. — This includes the Swans, of which there are several species, and 

 wliich are among the most graceful of birds ; few objects in nature are more beautiful than a 



whose ef;gs they collect and take away, or destroy on the spot without mercy. In this part of Greece the partridije 

 is reckoned among singing birds. Its note, they say, is extremely sweet ; and contrary to the instincts of its kind, 

 at least as observed elsewhere, it perches at night. Now and then the solitary thrush — a peculiar species — alights 

 on the barks that pi}- among the Cyclades. The Turks set a high value upon this bird, whose song is unrivaled save 

 by that of the nightingale. 



"It has been suggested by an able naturalist, that a most interesting Fauna might be written on the visitors of 

 ships at sea ; and the waters of our own coast would supply considerable materials for such a work. If sailors could 

 be induced to apply their leisure hours to the study of natural history, they would be able to furnish the woi'ld with 

 innumerable curious particulars respecting the habits of birds. Perhaps the most interesting scene for such observ- 

 ations is the Mediterranean, because of the vernal and autumnal voyages made by all the migratory birds across its 

 waters. About the Lipari Islands alone it would bo easy to find materials for an instructive chajjter, since many rare 

 birds are often found resting, as if on shipboard, upon their vitrified cones and pinnacles. But when the swallow 

 touches at these isles, it must be for pleasure, not through weariness, since it would be easy for it, with its strong 

 wings, to proceed onward to Sicily. Yet it may often be seen diving, so to speak, through the white smoke of Vul- 

 cano, or skimming along the rocky shores of Felicudi. Having performed these feats to its satisfaction, it plunges 

 away toward the Faro, as if in search of the misty glories of the Fata Morgana." 



