CH. XXXVIII.] THE KING BIRD. 401 



The next species is the Paradisea regia of Linnaeus, or 

 King Bird of Paradise, which differs so much from the 

 three preceding species as to deserve a distinct generic 

 name, and it has accordingly been called Cicinnurus regius. 

 By the Malays it is called " Burong rajah," or King Bird, 

 and by the natives of the Aru Islands " Goby-goby." 



Tliis lovely little bird is only about six and a half inches 

 long, partly owing to the very short tail, which does not 

 surpass the somewhat square wings. The head, throat, 

 and entire upper surface are of the richest glossy crimson 

 red, shading to orange-crimson on the forehead, where the 

 feathers extend beyond the nostrils more than half-way 

 down the beak. The plumage is excessively brilliant, 

 shining in certain lights with a metallic or glassy lustre. 

 The breast and belly are pure silky white, between which 

 colour and the red of the throat there is a broad band of 

 rich metallic green, and there is a small spot of the same 

 colour close above each eye. Prom each side of the body 

 beneath the wing, springs a tuft of broad delicate feathers 

 about an inch and a half long, of an ashy colour, but 

 tipped with a broad band of emerald green, bordered 

 within by a narrow line of buff. These plumes are con- 

 cealed beneath the wing, but when the bird pleases, can be 

 raised and spread out so as to form an elegant semicircular 

 fan on each shoulder. But another ornament still more 

 extraordinary, and if possible more beautiful, adorns this 



VOL. II. D D 



