shrJ&l iy C. tfcZlnuwuieb.
Genus PEKENICOPTERUS, Linn.
Gen. Char. B e a k , thick, strong, the depth exceeding the breadth, serrated, conical towards
the point, naked at the base; the upper mandible suddenly bent and curved at the tip
over the inferior mandible, which is of larger size than the upper. N o s tr ils longitudinal,
placed in the centre of the beak, pierced through, and covered above by a membrane!
T a rsi of great length. Toes three before, united by a web as far as the nails, and one
behind, which is very short and placed high on the tarsus : nails short and flat. Wings
moderate, the first and second quill-feathers the longest.
COMMON F LAMINGO.
Phoenicopterus ru b e r , L in n .
L e F lamant.
Of all the forms in ornithology, none is more extraordinary than that of the Flamingo, whose singularly
shaped bill, long and slender neck, stilt-like legs, and brilliant colonring render it a most striking object. The
present form exists in all the warmer portions o f the continent o f Europe, Asia, Africa and America. We are
acquainted with at least three or four species, but we are still uncertain whether that found in America be or
be not identical with the one found in Europe; we therefore consider it best to confine our remarks to the
range o f the species inhabiting the Old World : we may observe, however, that should the identity o f tile
European and American birds be hereafter satisfactorily ascertained, M. Temminck's proposed specific title o f
antiquorum must be given to the bird found in the Old World.
In Europe the only countries regularly visited by the Flamingo are those which form the coasts of
■the Mediterranean. It is abundant in Sicily, Calabria, and Sardinia; it occasionally occurs in France, and
even in Germany, as is proved by its having been killed on the banks o f the Rhine. In Asia and Africa it is
very extensively spread, and, indeed, is one o f the commonest birds along the whole o f the African shores.
Its favourite haunts in all countries are morasses, the sides o f rivers, and the low muddy and sandy shores o f
the sea, creeks, and inlets. Admirably formed for seeking its food in these situations it is enabled from the
length o f its legs to wade to a considerable distance from the shore, while the corresponding length o f its neck
enables it to reach the bottom with its beak, which in collecting its food is placed with its upper mandible
downwards, a position quite contrary to that o f every other bird at present known, but for which the acute
bend in the upper mandible is expressly adapted. Its food consists o f small molluscous animals, the fry of
fishes, and other marine productions. Though it possesses a webbed foot, this structure appears to be more
for the purpose, o f enabling it to traverse soft and muddy places without sinking, than for the purpose of
swimming, which it seldom or ever attempts. In its native haunts it is mostly seen in small bands or companies,
and is extremely watchful and cautious, so that it is not without the greatest difficulty a person can get
within gun-shot range. Its flight when elevated in the air is rapid, and the troop assumes a wedge-shaped
form, as is the case with the Wild Geese.
Not haying had an opportunity ourselves o f observing its, nidification, we give the account published by
M. Temminck and other writers, who state that it erects among the morasses an elevated mound o f mud and
earth, on the top o f which, in a slight depression, the female deposits her eggs, placing herself astride to cover
them, the great length o f her limbs precluding the possibility o f her assuming the usual position: the eggs
are said to be two in number, o f an oblong form and o f a pure white.
The sexes, although differing but little in colour, may be readily distinguished by the greater size o f the
male. During'their progress from youth to maturity, which occupies a space of four years, they undergo a
considerable change o f plumage ; besides which, we believe, there are differences depending upon season, the
beautiful rose red being characteristic o f the spring and summer. The young before the first moult are o f a
uniform grey, with the exception o f the secondaries and tail, which are black. As they approach maturity
they gradually assume the snowy white and scarlet plumage o f the adults, which may be thus described:
Head, neck, upper and under surface beautiful rosy white; centre o f the wing bright scarlet; primaries
black; bill blood red at the base and black at the t ip ; tarsi and toes rosy red.
The Plate represents an,adult and a young bird about half the natural size.