XXVIII 
BEAKS 
353 
mode in which the flamingoes sit on their nests. This 
is a low truncated cone of mud with a depression at the 
top for eggs, fashioned at the margin of a lake 
containing brackish water. This cone varies from two 
to fifteen inches in height, and the flamingo sits on it 
with the legs doubled under her, and the neck folded 
on the trunk with the head directed forward (p. 171.) 
Flamingoes congregate in immense flocks, and when, 
as is often the case in the secluded lakes of East Africa, 
they stand together like a huge army, the area of the 
lake occupied by them seems to be covered by a pink 
cloud. The rosy pink of the feathers and legs of these 
birds is exquisite. The colouring matter permeates the 
skeleton and persists when the bones are macerated. 
When they rise on the wing, the black pinions (remiges) 
are exposed and then the scarlet wing coverts come 
well into the picture, forming a feast of colour. When 
a dock of damingoes rises from the water, it leaves 
an impression which, like a glorious vision, is never 
forgotten. 
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