Crap. VIII.) FLAMINGO. 261 
tall flamingoes'!, with rose-colored plumage, line the 
beach in long files, The Singhalese have been led, from 
their colour and their military order, to designate them 
the “ English Soldier birds.” Nothing can be more 
startling than the sudden flight of these splendid creatures 
when alarmed; their strong wings beating the air with a 
sound like distant thunder; and as they soar over head, 
the flock which appeared almost white but a moment 
before, is converted into crimson by the sudden display 
of the red lining of their wings. A peculiarity in the 
beak of this bird has scarcely attracted the attention it 
FLAMINGO, 
merits, as a striking illustration of creative wisdom in 
adapting the organs of animals to their local necessities. 
1 Pheenicopterus roseus, Pallas. 
83 
