PLATE XXXVIII 



BORNEAN CRESTED FIREBACK 



Lophura ignita (Shaw) 



This splendid bird chooses to live in low, swampy jungle, coming out to feed in the small, shaded 

 glades. In one such place, embowered with green and decorated with great elkhorn ferns, a family of 

 Firebacks spent many weeks. Although not far from a native Dyak house, yet it was also close to a 

 burial-ground, and the fear of evil spirits gave safety to the birds. 



When standing quiedy, the colours of the Fireback cocks merge with the hues of the jungle, but at 

 the slightest movement the glittering back detaches itself from the spots of sunlight, and the blue-black 

 body from the dark shadows, and the bird stands out in its full glory. 



