Chap. VIII.] 



FLAMINGO. 



261 



tall flamingoes l , with rose-coloured plumage, line the 

 beach in long files. The Singhalese have been led, from 

 their colour and their military order, to designate them 

 the "English Soldier birds" Nothing can be more 

 startling than the sudden flight of these splendid creatures 

 when alarmed ; their strong wings beating the air with a 

 sound like distant thunder ; and as they soar over head, 

 the flock which appeared almost white but a moment 

 before, is converted into crimson by the sudden display 

 of the red lining of their wings. A peculiarity in the 

 beak of this bird has scarcely attracted the attention it 



FLAMINGO. 



merits, as a striking illustration of creative wisdom in 

 adapting the organs of animals to their local necessities. 



1 Phoenicopterus roseus, Pallas. 

 s 3 



