258 The Bird 
where they by rights belong—upon a bird. Among 
birds we find a more remarkable development of crests 
than in any other class of animals. Indeed nearly all 
birds have the power of slightly raising the feathers on 
the head. 
Fic. 200.—Crest of Java Peacock. 
Most, if not all, plumes and crests are probably orna- 
mental, and, since many are more highly developed in 
the male sex and at breeding-time, we must conclude 
that they are of value in attracting and holding the at- 
tention of the females during the period of courtship. 
What a list of these crests we may compile in a walk 
through a zoological park! The photographs show the 
grace and delicacy of these feathers, to which words can 
