46 
RED FLAMINGO. 
bird when in full plumage is wholly of a most deep scarlet, (those 
of Africa said to be the deepest,) except the quills, which are black; 
fi'om the base of the thigh to the claws measures thirty-two inches, 
of which the feathered part takes up no more than three inches ; 
the bare part above the knee thirteen inches, and from thence to 
the claws sixteen ; the color of the bare parts is red, and the toes 
are furnished with a web as in the Duck genus ; but is deeply in- 
dented. The legs are not straight, but slightly bent, the shin rather 
projecting, 
“These birds do not gain their full plumage till the third year. 
In the first they are of a grayish white for the most part ; the se- 
cond of a clearer white, tinged with red, or rather rose color ; but 
the wings and scapulars are red ; in the third year a general glow- 
ing scarlet manifests itself throughout; the bill and legs also keep 
pace with the gi*adation of color in the plumage, these parts 
changing to their colors by degrees as the bird approaches to an 
adult state. 
“ Flamingoes prefer a warm climate, in the old continent not 
often met with beyond forty degrees north or south. Every where 
seen on the African coast, and adjacent isles, quite to the cape of 
Good Hope,* and now and then on the coasts of Spain,']* Italy, and 
those of France lying in the Mediterranean sea ; being at times met 
Avith at Marseilles, and for some way up the Rhone. In some sea- 
sons frequents Aleppo,§ and parts adjacent. Seen also on the Per- 
sian side of the Caspian sea, and from thence along the western 
coast as far as the Wolga; though this at uncertain times, and 
chiefly in considerable flocks, coming from the north coast mostly 
in October and November; but so soon as the wind changes they 
totally disappear.^ They breed in the Cape Verd isles, particularly 
* In Zee Coow river, Phil, Trans. Once plenty in the Isle of France, Voy. to Mauri- 
tius, p. 66. 
t About Valencia, in the lake Albufere. Dillon’s Trav. p. 374. 
^ Russel’s Aleppo, p. 69. 
If Decouv. Russ, h, p. 248. 
