252 ANNALS OF BIRD LIFE. 



Terns, and many of the Bullfinches ; whilst in 

 numbers of species the cap is brown or some 

 other shade, in violent contrast to the colour of 

 the rest of the plumage. Then there are others 

 in which the peculiar marking is confined to the 

 chin, as is displayed in such a marked degree 

 by the Hawfinch, the Wax wing, and the Redpole ; 

 whilst in scores of others this dark colour extends 

 over the entire throat, among which may be 

 mentioned the Stonechat, the Black-throated and 

 Desert Wheatears, and the Reed Bunting. The 

 plumage on the throat and breasts of birds 

 appears to have been specially selected for the 

 stamping of various patterns in exceptionally 

 brilliant colours, or ones in strong contrast to 

 the remainder of the plumage. How many birds 

 there are whose most brilliant hues or most 

 striking characteristics are carried on the throat 

 and breast ! Among them may be mentioned 

 the speckled Thrushes and Pipits, the Bluethroats, 

 the Robin, and the Rock Partridges. 



Before leaving the heads of birds, we must 

 say a few words on crests. These curious and 

 beautiful appendages are common to almost 

 every class of bird from the Eagles to the 

 Titmice. The charming Waxwing and the 

 crested Titmouse, the crested Lark and the 

 Hoopoe, possess these ornamental head-dresses 

 in common with the Lapwing and the Grebes. 

 Crests, too, have been selected for the display of 

 considerable variety and beauty of colour, some 



