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 

 speU 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 stem 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 feeUngs. 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 



60 



