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Show 146 MR. P. L. SCLATER ON THE BIRDS OF LIMA. [Feb. 25, standing its use, in the extract from the Rev. T. Phillips's MS., before referred to. P.S. A singular habit of the Flamingoes has been observed, which induces m e to believe that something analogous to the secreting-power already alluded to exists in these birds. During the time the Flamingoes were kept in the same aviary with the Cariamas, the latter birds, as is their habit, frequently turned their bills upwards and uttered their harsh and loud notes. The Flamingoes, apparently under the impression of their want of food, advanced to their assistance, and holding their heads over the gaping mouths of the Cariamas ejected a glutinous fluid (nearly resembling blood in colour), which fell sometimes into the mouths of the Cariamas, but more frequently on to their backs, and rendered their feathers glutinous and, when dry, very dirty. Since writing the foregoing, I have obtained some of the coloured fluid from the Flamingoes, ejected this day (March 22, 1869), and, having submitted it to the examination of Dr. Murie, find by viewing it under the microscope that it contains a vast proportion of blood-corpuscles, and is little else than blood. Have we here an explanation of the old story of the Pelican feeding its young with its own blood ? I think we have; for the Flamingo was, and is still, found plentifully in the country alluded to; and it may be that in the translation the habit of the one bird has been transferred to the other. At any rate, I have no doubt that the Flamingo feeds its young by disgorging its food, as is shown by the bloody secretion that I find ejected by these birds in their endeavour to feed the craving Cariamas. This habit has been observed and remarked upon, and has doubtless led to what we have so long considered a fable. I have yet to learn if the same power may not exist in the Pelicans, and perhaps in other birds, of supplying nutriment to their young by these means. 4. O n the Birds of the Vicinity of Lima, Peru. By P. L. S C L A T E R , M.A., Ph.D., F.R.S. With Notes on their Habits; by Professor W . N A T I O N , of Lima, C.M.Z.S. (Part ITI .*) (Plate XII.) A third small collection of birdskins from Professor Nation has lately reached me, together with notes upon some of the species, which I have now the pleasure of submitting to the Society. 1. CAMPYLORHYNCHUS BALTEATUS, Baird, Rev. A. B. p. 103. G. zonatoides, Scl. P. Z. S. 1860, p. 272. C. pallescens, Sclater, Cat. A. B. p. 16. * Continued from P. Z. S. 1867, p. 344. |
