The common Flamingo is plentiful in many parts of the Old World, and may 
be seen in great numbers on the sea-shore, or the banks of large and pestilential 
marshes, the evil atmosphere of which has no effect upon this bird, though tc 
many animals it is most injurious, and to man a certain death. When feeding 
the Flamingo bends its neck, and placing the upper mandible of the curiously 
bent beak on the ground or under the water, separates the nutritive portions 
with a kind of spattering sound, like that of a duck when feeding. The tongue 
of the Flamingo is very thick, and of a soft oily consistence, covered with curved 
spines pointing backwards, and not muscular. 
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. 
The colour of the Flamingo is scarlet, with black wings. 
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