CLASS II. AYES: ORDER 8. NATATORES. 
309 
THE FLAMINGO, SWANS, ETC. 
Genus PHCENICOPTERUS : Phoenicopterus. — This includes the Flamingoes^ remarkable for 
their long legs, long neck, and large and powerful mandibles, bent downward from the mid- 
dle. They have frequently been grouped with the Grallatores, but in their habits and mode of 
life they approach more nearly to the Natatores. They live upon the sea-shore, where they feed 
upon mollusca, Crustacea, and young fishes, for which they dabble about in the mud and sand 
with their broad bills, in exactly the same manner as a duck, and when thus employed the object 
of the peculiar conformation of the bill is plainly seen. When the neck is turned downward to 
reach the ground in the most natural position, the bent apical portion of the upper mandible is 
necessarily directed downward ; this, then, takes the place of the lower mandible in the duck, 
and serves to scoop and feel about in the mud. The tongue also assists wonderfully in the pro- 
cess of straining the muddy water, and retaining the food ; it is furnished with numerous spines 
on its surface, and these are pressed by the mere weight of the tongue against the lamellcis of the 
upper mandible when the animal is feeding with its head in this reversed position. They are very 
gregarious birds in their habits, collecting into large troops in the marshes, where they follow the 
rise and fall of the tide in their search for food, so that they are often seen extending in single 
file^over a considerable space. 
The Common Flamingo of Europe, P. aniiquorum, stands about five feet in height, and is of a 
fine rose-color, with bright red wings ; when several are seen in line they appear like a regiment of 
British soldiers. While the community is engaged in seeking the means of subsistence, certain 
of its members are employed in the capacity of sentinels, to give notice of the approach of dan- 
ger ; this is done by a loud cry, like the sound of a trumpet, on hearing which the whole Avill 
take wing and escape to some place of greater security. They also migrate in large flocks, flying 
in an angular line, like that formed by geese and swans in their migrations. They make a most 
singular nest of mud, in the shape of a hillock, with a cavity at the top; in this they lay two or 
three white eggs, and then sit astride upon the top with one leg on each side. The young are 
able to run within a few days after their exclusion from the egg. This species is found in the 
south of Europe, especially in Sicily, Calabria, and Sardinia, but it is more abundant in the warm 
regions of Africa and Asia, They are exceedingly beautiful birds, their plumage being of the 
most delicate character, and their flesh is said to be equally good. Flamingoes were among the 
objects of the extravagance of the Roman epicures, and a dish of the tongues of these birds was 
regarded as a great delicacy. 
The American Flamingo — P. Chilensis of Molina — P. ruber of Wilson — is of nearly the 
same size and habits as the preceding, with which, in fact, it is confounded by many naturalists. 
It is found on the Pacific as well as the Atlantic coasts of tropical America; also in the West 
Indies, and on the border of Florida, A smaller species, P. minor, is said to exist in South 
Africa. 
Genus CYGNUS : Cygnus. — This includes the Swans, of which there are several species, and 
which arc among the most graceful of birds ; few objects in nature are more beautiful than a 
whose eggs they collect and take away, or destroy on the spot without mercy. In this part of Greece the partridge 
is reckoned auaong singing birds. Its note, they say, is extremely sweet ; and contrary to the instincts of its kind, 
at least as observed elsewhere, it perches at night. Now and then the solitary thrush— a peculiar species— alio'hts 
on the barks that ply among the Cyclades. The Turks set a high value iipon tliis bird, whose song is unrivaled save 
by that of the nightingale. ° 
"It has been suggested by an able naturalist, that a most interesting Eauna might be written on the visitors of 
ships at sea ; and the waters of our own coast would supply considerable materials for such a work. If sailors could 
be induced to apply their leisure hours to the study of natural history, thev would be able to furnish the world with 
innumerable curious particulars respecting the habits of birds. Perhaps the most interesting scene for such observ- 
ations 13 the Mediterranean, because of the vernal and autumnal voyages made by all the migratory birds across its 
waters. About the Lipari Islands alone it would be easy to find materials for an instructive chapter, since many rare 
birds are often found resting, as if on shipboard, upon their yitrified cones and pinnacles. But when the swallow 
touches at these isles, it must be for pleasure, not through weariness, since it would be easy for it, with its stron-r 
wings, to proceed onward to Sicily. Yet it may often be seen-diving, so to speak, through the white smoke of Tul* 
cano, or skimming along the rocky shores of Eelicudi. Having performed these feats to'^its satisfaction, it plunges 
away toward the Faro, as if in search of the misty glories of the Eata Moro-ana." 
