50 BIRDS OF PARADISE 
LABRADOR DUCKS, NOW EXTINCT 
From the Group in the American Museum. 
The widely different plumages (varying with age, sex, season, or all 
Gangual ‘Topics three) often worn by one species will be found illustrated 
in the Ptarmigan case and in the case containing Orchard 
Orioles, Snow Buntings, Scarlet Tanagers and Bobolinks. The rela- 
tionship between structure and habits, the many forms of bill, feet, 
wings, tail, etc., and the different ways of using them are illustrated in 
other cases, particularly by one showing the feeding habits of some birds. 
Other cases show instances of albinism, hybridism and other abnor- 
malities; the excessive individual variation in a bird called the Ruff; 
birds of prey used by man in hunting; a few domestic birds (an extensive 
collection of which will be found in Darwin Hall); the growth of the 
embryo and the structure of the adult bird; Archzopteryx, the oldest 
fossil bird; and a map-exhibit of migration. 
In the alcoves to the right the first egg case contains the Synoptic 
Collection of Eggs, which shows the variation in the num- 
ber in a set, size, shell-texture, markings, shape, etc., and 
tells something of the laws governing these things. The succeeding cases 
contain the general exhibition collection of nests and eggs, principally 
those of North American and of European birds. 
Near the center of the hall is a nearly complete collection of the Birds 
of Paradise, presented by Mrs. Frank K. Sturgis. This 
family of birds is comfined to New Guinea, Australia and 
some neighboring islands. Their feet and bills show their 
close relationship to the Crows and Jays, which they resemble in nesting 
habits as well. Their chief characteristic is of course their gorgeous 
plumes, wonderful as well in variety of form and position as in beauty. 
For these plumes the birds are still being killed in such large numbers 
Eggs 
Birds of 
Paradise 
