height, each striving to get above the other for a downward 
swoop. As the one “stoops” at the other, the lower bird 
dodges, and so rapidly are the wings moved that they are 
often brought smartly together over the back, producing a 
clapping noise. 
Even the black, forbidding raven has his amorous moods. 
And at such times he will even outdo the more lively, though 
irascible lapwing in the art of aerial somersaults ; if somer- 
saults they can be called. For in the middle of an ordinary 
spell of flying he will suddenly fold up his wings and bring 
them close up to the body, at the same time turning com- 
pletely round, as though he were turned on a spit ; the body 
being held horizontal as the turn is made. For a moment or 
two there he is suspended, as it were, between earth and sky, 
with his back towards earth, and his breast towards the 
heavens. Lest he should forget the manner of the trick, it 
would seem, he will practise it at times, during the stern work 
of chasing intruders from his territory ; for he will brook no 
competitors on his ground. 
The wood-pigeon, during the courtship season, makes 
frequent sallies into the air for the purpose, apparently, of 
giving vent to his exuberant feelings. During such flights 
he will dart up from the tree-tops and sail round, high above, 
in great circles, rising and falling as he goes, with outspread 
wings, every now and then bringing them over his back with 
196 
