830 
BIRD-LIFE. 
time. After a few days they learned to distinguish their 
keeper from strangers; and from that time permitted 
themselves to be treated almost with the familiarity of 
domestic animals. They live on good terms with other 
birds, and surpass all other members of their family in 
good-nature. 
The food of the Flamingo consists of the following:— 
small fish, tender molluscs, crabs, insects and worms, 
and similar creatures; these are caught near or on the 
bottom; the beak, however, is held with the upper 
mandible towards the ground, and the lower one upper¬ 
most. In this manner the bird moves backwards and 
forwards, stirring up the mud or sand with its webbed- 
feet even when stationary, and moving them continually 
up and down without materially altering its position. 
The head, deep under water, is kept moving and feeding, 
like a gudgeon or a barbel, close to the ground, between 
and about the legs, sifting, so to speak, all that is 
nutritious from what is stirred up. The mode of feeding 
pursued by the Flamingo differs from that of others of 
the Duck tribe, in the assistance derived from the feet, 
and the reversed position of the beak, the shape of which 
renders it necessary for it to be used in the manner 
described. Even when in confinement these birds are 
continually seeking and hunting for food, after this 
fashion, and only feed in comfort when their food is 
placed in a dish half-filled with water. They feed readily 
upon soaked wheat, rice, bread, and other vegetable 
substances; and if animal food be added thereto, and 
they are sheltered from severe cold during the winter, 
they will live for several years. 
With respect to the breeding of the Flamingo we 
possess, as yet, but scanty information. Unfortunately, 
