348 The Bird 
In the woodcock we find the vane of the three outer 
primaries of the wing remarkably narrowed and stiffened; 
probably a direct adaptation for the production of the 
high, whistling sound which plays so important a part 
in its aerial courtship performance. 
Fig. 279.—Wing ornaments of Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise. 
As upon all other parts of the bird’s body, we find 
beautiful decorations upon the wings—inexplicable unless 
we are willing to credit the females with appreciation of, 
or at least a reaction to, these beauties. Otherwise we 
know not the uses of the brilliant wing-mirrors of ducks, 
or the scarlet wax-like tips of the Cedar-bird’s feathers, 
