INTRODUCTION. 
5 
The strongest feathers are the quill-feathers of the wings 
and tail. These feathers^ when expanded^ form broad fans^ 
by which the bird can raise itself in the air and fly. The 
proportional length of these quills is an important circum- 
stance in the history of the bird, the power of its flight 
depending on their form, stiffness, and relative length. The 
bones of birds are very Hght compared with those of mam- 
maha, and are thus well adapted for creatures fitted to move 
in an element where all unnecessary weight would be a great 
impediment. James Montgomery, in his ^ Pelican Island,^ 
speaking of the large pelican, pleasingly alludes to this : 
" Their slender skeletons .... 
So delicately framed, and half transparent, 
That I have marvell'd how a bird so noble, 
When in his fuU magnificent attire. 
With pinions wider than the king of vultures, 
And down elastic, thicker than the swan's. 
Should leave so smaU a cage of ribs to mark 
Where vigorous life had dwelt a hundred years." 
Female birds are, with very few exceptions, much more 
sombre than the males. Wilson, in his ^ American Orni- 
thology,^ has given an excellent reason for this : he says, It 
is worthy of remark, that the females of almost all our 
splendid feathered birds are drest in plain and often obscure 
