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, 



