126 BIRDS 



broad wings widely expanded ; now seizing a leaf or bit of 

 stick, now tossing it aside in capricious disdain. The spirit 

 of the dance is infectious, and instantly the enclosure is 

 a turmoil of leaping, bobbing birds, each striving to outdo 

 the others in extravagance of gesture and motion. 



Most of the species are provided with lusty voices, which 

 they delight to use with great freedom. However, the 

 tones, which are clear and trumpet-like, are far from dis- 

 agreeable, and detract nothing from the performer's eligi- 

 bility to a favored place in the list of captives. 



