THE FLAMINGO. 
591 
A flock of these birds feeding along the sea-shore have a curious appearance, bending their 
long necks in regular succession as the waves dash upon the shore, and raising them as the 
ripple passes away along the strand. At each wing is always placed a sentinel bird which 
makes no attempt to feed, but remains with neck erect and head turning constantly about 
to detect the least indication of danger. When a flock of Flamingos is passing overhead, 
they have a wonderfully fine effect, their plumage changing from pure white to flashing rose 
as they wave their broad wings. 
When at rest and lying on the ground, with the legs doubled under the body, the 
Flamingo is still graceful, bending its neck into snaky coils, and preening every part of its 
SPUR-WINGED GOOSE.— Plectropterus ganibensis. 
plumage with an ease almost incredible. Its long and apparently clumsy legs are equally 
under command, for the bird can scratch its cheeks with its toes as easily as a sparrow or 
a canary. 
When flying the Flamingo still associates itself with its comrades, and the flock form 
themselves into regular shapes, each band evidently acting under the command of a leader. 
The nest of the Flamingo is rather curious, and consists of mud and earth scraped together so 
as to form a tall hillock -with a cavity at the summit. In this cavity the eggs are laid, and 
the bird sits easily upon them, its limbs hanging down at each side of the nest like a long- 
legged man sitting on a milestone. The eggs are white, their number is two or three, and the 
young birds are all able to run at an early age. Like many other long-legged birds, the 
Flamingo has a habit of standing on one leg, the other being drawn up and hidden among 
the plumage. 
The curious beak of this bird is orange-yellow at the base and black at the extremity, and 
the cere is flesh-colored. When in full plumage the color is brilliant scarlet, with the excep- 
tion of the quill-feathers, which are jetty-black. A full-grown bird will measure from five to 
six feet in height. 
