Indian Birds 
lengthened to form plumes. (Illus. B. D., 
pp. 232 and 238.) 
226. Phenicopterus roseus: The Common 
Flamingo. (F. 1575), (J. 944), (+V; nearly 
4% feet long.) 
These beautiful birds occur in flocks in 
shallow lakes. They are white with a pink 
tinge. The wings are white, black, and cerise. 
The long legs are deep pink. The curious 
beak is bent in the middle to form an obtuse 
angle. (The beak is figured on p. 408 of Vol. IV. 
_ of O. and B. B.) 
The Geese, 227 and 228 
As geese are game birds they do not come 
strictly within the scope of this book. How- 
ever, as these birds are much em evidence in 
Upper India in the cold weather, I will briefly 
describe the two common species. 
In the U. P. during the winter months no 
sight is more common than that of a V-shaped — 
flock of geese cleaving its way through the air 
on quivering wings. The birds, as they fly, 
utter a curious cackle easy to recognise, but 
difficult to describe. This call is often heard 
at night. When riding in the early morning 
224 
