BIRD LORE FROM THE CHICKEN YARD 249 
LESSON 2 
To learn what care the bird gives to its plumage. 
(a) Oiling the feathers. The oil gland may be seen at the root of the 
tail, upper side, of a plucked fowl. It is largest in water birds, which 
have need of waterproof plumage. Birds press out a drop of oil with the 
beak and dress their feathers with it. The process is best seen in ducks 
and geese. 
(6) The dust and sun bath. Lice are among the greatest pests of the 
chicken raiser. The bird’s own treatment for this vermin is the dust 
bath and sun bath. Observe: 
(1) How a hen takes her dust bath, — how she manages to get dust 
into the feathers. 
(2) How she lifts the feathers so the sun may reach the body, and how 
she turns from side to side. 
LESSON 3 
To learn: (1) That the male bird is often more attractively dressed 
than the female. (2) That birds with beautiful feathers seem to know 
they are handsome. 
(a) Observe the turkey gobbler. Hisstrut and entire appearance in- 
dicate excessive vanity. Notice the pretty iridescence of his feathers 
as he shifts his outspread tail so that the sunshine may strike across it 
and show it off to the best advantage. 
(b) The rooster. Notice the shape of the ornamental tail feathers, — 
how gracefully they curve. The proud, high-stepping manner of the 
rooster shows what he thinks of himself. : 
(c) The peacock is perhaps the most striking instance of the color- 
ation of male birds, and of the pride that they seem to take in their fine 
feathers. If the pupils cannot observe this bird they can see pictures of it. 
(d) Other common instances of beautiful colorings are seen in the 
male oriole, goldfinch, red-winged blackbird; bobolink, and mallard duck. 
In all these species the female wears plainer clothes than the male. This 
is the general rule in bird society, except when both sexes are dressed 
the same. 
LESSON 4 
1. To learn how a bird flies. 
(a) Notice that when the wings are unfolded and folded the flight 
feathers operr and close like a fan. 
