But the assumption that their use is limited to this one function is based on 

 the strangely mistaken notion that such birds are conspicuous in their native 

 woods. The error has been wholly based on theorizing — collectors have not 

 found the birds easy to see in their home forests, but, on the contrary, have 

 often testified to the strange illusiveness of certain very gaudy kinds, even 

 relatively to their dull-colored and plumeless females. This has led to the 

 belief that they are conscious of being perilously gaudy, and are therefore 

 wary, and careful to keep themselves concealed amidst foliage, etc. — which is 

 evidently a complete misinterpretation of the case. 



The question of how large a share, if any, sexual display has had in de- 

 veloping birds' brilliant colors and elaborate appendages cannot be discussed 

 here. But we have at least shown that such developments, far from making 

 birds conspicuous, are all— pied-patterns, iridescence, and appendages— po- 

 tent factors in the concealment of their wearers. Even the lesser appendages, 

 such as small occipital crests, ear-tufts, wattles, etc., all tend to conceal birds 

 by breaking their normal contours. 



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