42 



ROSY FLAMINGO. 



one on each side at full length. — (Linnaeus.) The young 

 cannot fly till full grown, but run very fast." 



On the other hand, M. Crespon, as quoted by Deg- 

 land, gives a different account: — "It nests in the swamps, 

 and according to some authors, it builds its nest in 

 the form of a broken cone, with mud and slime and 

 grass; but, according to M. Crespon, it does not make 

 any mound, but lays its eggs on a slight elevation, 

 generally on a narrow path between two ditches. The 

 nests are always in great number, and on the same line. 

 Its eggs, two in number, are elongated, of a very dull 

 white without spots, and a rough chalky surface; great 

 diameter eight centimetres, nine millemetres, small di- 

 ameter five centimetres and a half. The calcareous 

 matter of these eggs is very friable, and chalky in 

 appearance. 



"It lives in societies on borders of the sea and salt 

 marshes, and is frequently found on the shores of the 

 Mediterranean, from Hyeres to Perpignan, and in great 

 number on the waters of Camargue and Aigues-Mortes. 



"It is shy and defiant, and very difficult to approach. 

 When a flock reposes or feeds, some individuals act as 

 sentries, fvnd at the least danger a cry which may be 

 compared to the sound of a trumpet is uttered, and 

 the whole flock rises in the air, observing the same 

 order as the Grey Craiie." 



Savi gives the following account of the nidification of 

 this bird, (" Ornitologia Toscana," vol. ii., p. 365:) — 

 "They nest in societies in the open lagoons near the 

 sea; each couple builds up a conic mound of grass and 

 mud, which is concave at the top. They deposit their 

 eggs in this cavity, and then sit astride the mound, and 

 thus hatch their eggs. The eggs are white, as large 

 as those of a Goose, and two in number." 



