234 THE HUMAN SIDE OF BIRDS 



nary behaviour in this period is quite unlike that of 

 the rest of the year. The peacock, whose gorgeous 

 dress needs no description, and whose wonderful 

 "train" acts as an exquisite screen for him, is a 

 veteran actor. Surely he must appreciate the ad- 

 vantage he has by appearing with such a magnifi- 

 cent appendage ! And this he uses to great benefit 

 in his acting — ^which is really his courtship. 



Actor-like, he awaits the most dramatic moment 

 before displaying his beauty. He carefuly watches 

 the object of his adoration, and turns in such a 

 position that his beauty may be concealed until the 

 exact moment when he wishes to overcome her. 

 Then he dramatically steps rapidly backward to- 

 ward her, like a trapeze performer who is going to 

 spring into the air, and suddenly whirls around and 

 displays his gorgeous vestments! This turning is 

 accompanied by a trembling movement of the train, 

 as the quills drag upon the ground. Occasionally 

 he screams out a word — ^perhaps some day we may 

 understand it — ^but Miss Peahen seems utterly in- 

 different to his show, and oflFers him little encour- 

 agement or applause. 



The common barn-yard turkey is an actor of no 

 mean ability, and compares not unfavourably with 

 the peacock. The turkey is, however, not so beau- 

 tiful of plumage, nor quite so dramatic in his acting. 



