308 THE FLAMINGO. 
the nest to be stranded. The eggs are generally about eight or ten in num- 
ber, and their colour is olive-white sprinkled profusely with brown. The 
shell is rather thick in proportion to the size of the egg, so that Coots’s eggs can 
be carried away in a handkerchief without much danger of being broken. 
THE well-known FLAMINGO brings us to the large and important order of 
Anseres, or the Goose tribe. 
The common Flamingo is plentiful in many parts of the Old World, and 
may be seen in great numbers on the sea-shore, or the banks of large and 
pestilential marshes, the evil atmosphere of which has no effect on these birds, 
though to many animals it is most injurious, and to man certain death, 
When feeding, the Flamingo bends its neck, and, placing the upper mandible 
of the curiously bent beak on the ground or under the water, separates the 
nutritive portions with a kind of spattering sound, like that of a duck when 
feeding. The tongue of the Flamingo is very thick, and of a soft oily con- 
sistence, covered with curved spines pointing backwards, and not muscular. 
coo'r.—( Fulica atra.) 
A flock of these birds feeding along the sea-shore has a curious appear- 
ance, bending their long necks in regular succession as the waves dash upon. 
the shore, and raising them as the ripple passes away along the strand. At 
each wing is always placed a sentinel bird, which makes no attempt to feed 
but remains with neck erect and head turning constantly about to detect the, 
least indication of danger. When a flock of Flamingos is passing overhead, 
they have a wonderfully fine effect, their plumage changing from pure white 
to flashing rose as they wave their broad wings. 
When at rest and lying on the ground, with the legs doubled under the 
body, the Flamingo is still graceful, bending its neck into snaky coils, and 
preening every part of its plumage with an ease almost incredible. Its long 
and apparently clumsy legs are equally under commzud, for the bird can 
scratch its cheeks with its toes as easily as a sparrow or a canary. 
When flying, the Flamingo still associates itself with its comrades, and 
the flock form themselves into regular shapes, each band evidently acting 
under the command ofa leader. The eggs are white, their number is two 
or taree, and the young birds are all able to run at an early age. Like many 
