Chapter 13

Another of D'Albertis's contributions to the mysterious family is among its most magnificent members, the _Paradisea Raggiana_. A fine specimen of this genus, mounted in the position described by Wallace as the "dancing" attitude of _P. Apoda_, the floating plumes elevated in a "golden glory" above the head, is the gem of the collection in the American Museum of New York. It resembles the Great Bird of Paradise, having long, airy plumes springing from under each wing. In general color golden brown, with yellow head and green throat. To this bird, as to others, beauty is a dangerous possession; and, as if feeling aware of the fact, it lives in the tops of tall trees, in the deepest forest, among the most inaccessible ravines. But wary though it be, one characteristic lures it to destruction--curiosity. A European hunter in his unfamiliar dress is an irresistible attraction; nearer and nearer it comes, hopping from branch to branch, pausing at every step to observe and study the intruder, with neck stretched and wings flapping, every moment uttering a peculiar cry, no doubt equivalent to "Come and look!" for it brings others upon the scene, till the pretty sight is rudely ended by a shot and a death-wound. The cry of distress brings the friends nearer, only to fall victims in their turn to the same murderous gun. Our traveler once surprised a female of this species, and a droll proceeding followed. After flying several times around his head to see what sort of a creature he might be, she alighted on a vine, and turning heels over head, remained hanging head down, sharply scrutinizing his appearance from this point of view till he--shot her.

A bare-headed bird would not seem to present any attraction to the lover of beauty, though it might be of scientific interest; but Nature, not having exhausted her resources upon the Birds of Paradise already mentioned, has even accomplished the feat of making a bald-headed beauty. The bare skin on the whole crown is of a brilliant blue color most oddly crossed by narrow rows of minute feathers, which irresistibly remind one of the sutures of the human skull. That color shall not be lacking, it bears, besides the blue of the head, black, straw color, bright red, and green; and is further adorned with two very long central tail feathers, which reach far beyond the rest of the tail, and return, making a complete circle; a rare and lovely ornament. A good specimen is among the later arrivals at the American Museum.

The _Manucodia_ are the curly Birds of Paradise, and our knowledge of one of the latest and most novel of them is owing not to the indefatigable naturalists who have braved the dangers and discomfort of their wild island home, neither to the English Wallace, the Dutch Von Rosenburg, the Italian Beccari, nor to D'Albertis, nor Bruiju, nor De Myer, whose names will be forever associated with the splendid family, but to a British officer of scientific tastes.

_M. Comrii_ is the largest, and has more curls than any other yet discovered, for they not only decorate the top of the head, but extend down the neck, and form ridges over the eyes. Even the tail partakes of the general curve, which makes it boat-shaped, and--most fantastic of all--the two middle feathers are nearly an inch shorter than their next neighbors, and turned over at the ends so as to display the different color of their inner surface, and form what ladies call "_revers_."

"Such eccentricities are really not to be accounted for, as we cannot conceive they can be for any useful purpose" (!), gravely says science in the person of an English authority. This severely disapproved of plumage is blue with green lights on back and head, and black edged on every feather, with purple on the breast.

Another species of the curly family, the Blue-green Paradise Bird (_M. Chalybea_), has been known to us for a hundred years, but its habits are as much a mystery as its curls. It is exquisite in color, of the richest purple, glossy as satin, with neck of deep green, and all crinkled and curled over head and neck.

The Long-tailed Bird of Paradise is the proud possessor of twenty-two names, from which it were hard to make a selection. It is one of the largest, being twenty-two inches in length, most of which, however, is tail, and is splendid in soft velvet-like black with hints of green and blue and purple. On each side it carries a fan of curved feathers, and the plumes of the flanks are of the lightest and most delicate texture. Words cannot describe the grace and elegance of this bird, and the perfect specimen in the museum above mentioned is worthy of a pilgrimage to see.

A "changeable" Bird of Paradise is the one remaining eccentricity conceivable to complete the variety in coloring, and this is found in the _Epimachus Ellioti_, a bird so rare that at the time Gould published his first work the specimen in his collection was unique, and naturalists in their excursions in the Papuan Islands have vainly tried to discover its home and learn its habits. The whole incomparable plumage is of rich changeable hues; in ordinary light, when perfectly motionless, the bird appears of a soft black, but on moving about the color varies from violet to maroon, from this to deep amethyst, and then to green, purple, and blue. A most extraordinary effect is produced when it faces the spectator with fan-plumes expanded, reaching so far above its head that they look like a pair of arms thrown up.

The most interesting though not the most beautiful of the family is the Gardener bird, discovered a few years ago by the Italian naturalist Beccari. Here is a Bird of Paradise eccentric not in dress but in habits. His plumage is modest brown in several shades, so inconspicuous that the partner of his joys can wear the same tints, which she does. The bird is the size of a turtle-dove. Let the doctor himself tell the story of the discovery while walking through the beautiful forest, so thick that scarcely a ray of sunshine penetrated the branches. He says:

"I suddenly stood before the most remarkable specimen of the industry of an animal. It was a hut or bower close to a small meadow enameled with flowers. The whole was on a diminutive scale, and I immediately recognized the famous nests described by the hunters of Bruiju. After well observing the whole I gave strict orders to my hunters not to destroy the little building. That, however, was an unnecessary caution, since the Papuans take great care never to disturb these nests or bowers, even if they are in their way. The birds had evidently enjoyed the greatest quiet until we happened, unfortunately for them, to come near them. I had now full employment in the preparation of my treasure.... I took colors and brushes, and went to the spot, and made the sketch which I now publish. When I was there neither host nor hostess was at home.... I could not ascertain whether this bower was occupied by one pair or more, whether the male alone is the builder, or whether the wife assists. I believe, however, that the nest lasts several seasons."

The pleasing description of the house and lawn, with its many decorations, has been widely copied. "Being mostly near the entrance," says the grave scientist in conclusion, surprised into sentiment, "it would appear that the husband offers there the daily gift to the wife, removing the objects to the back of the hut as they fade or wither." It is clever not only in building a house and lawn, but in imitating the songs and cries of other birds, and doing it so well, according to our author, that it brought "his hunters to despair."

So few Birds of Paradise have entered the scientific world alive, and so little is known of their manners, that the meagre accounts we have possess unusual interest. So long ago as early in the century Mr. Bennett, in his visit to Macao, wrote a statement of the ways of a Great Bird of Paradise (_P. Apoda_) which had been at that time in confinement nine years. His description of the toilet of the most exquisite of birds is delightful.

"It washes itself regularly twice daily, and after having performed its ablutions, throws its delicate feathers up nearly over the head.... The beautiful subalar plumage is then thrown out and cleaned from any spot that may sully its purity by being passed gently through the bill, the short chocolate-colored wings are extended to the utmost, and he keeps them in a steady flapping motion, at the same time raising up the delicate long feathers over the back, which are spread in a chaste and elegant manner, floating like films in the ambient air. In this position the bird would remain for a short time, seemingly proud of its heavenly beauty. I never yet beheld a soil on its feathers. After expanding the wings it would bring them together so as to conceal the head, then bending gracefully it would inspect the state of its plumage underneath.... It then picks and cleans its plumage in every part within reach, and throwing out the elegant and delicate tuft of feathers underneath, they are cleaned in succession, if required, by throwing them abroad, elevating and passing them in succession through the bill. Then turning its back to the spectators, the actions above mentioned are repeated, ... and throwing its feathers up with much grace, appears as proud as a lady dressed in her full ball dress"(!). After further account of its taking grasshoppers from visitors, he concludes: "Should any of the insects fall to the floor of his cage he will not descend to them, appearing to be fearful that in so doing he should soil his delicate plumage."

Almost equally charming is Mr. Bennett's observation of one that Wallace carried alive to London, which lived two years there and became exceedingly tame. It is this species whose dancing parties Wallace thus describes:--

"On one of these trees a dozen or twenty full-plumaged male birds assemble, raise their wings vertically over the back, stretch out their necks, and raise and expand their exquisite long plumes till they form two magnificent golden fans, which are kept in continual vibration. Between whiles they fly across from branch to branch in great excitement, so that the whole tree is filled with waving plumes in every variety of attitude and motion. In the position above mentioned the whole bird is overshadowed by his plumage, the crouching body, yellow head, and emerald green throat form but the foundation and setting to the golden glory which waves above. Seen in this attitude the Bird of Paradise really deserves its name, and must be ranked as one of the most beautiful and most wonderful of living things."

In truth, it is so transcendently beautiful that hunters have been astonished into forgetfulness of their guns, and no triumph was ever greater, for to recognize an attractive creature and lift the gun to take its life seems to be a single operation of many who carry the murderous weapon.

The Twelve-wired, one of the better known varieties of the Birds of Paradise, is usually figured, and probably always mounted, with its exquisite plumes closely folded against its sides, but the French naturalist and traveler Le Vaillant, in his large work published early in the century, gives a representation of it under the name of _Le Nebuleux_, with feathers expanded to the uttermost, a truly magnificent display. All his figures, though sometimes incorrect, owing to the scanty knowledge of the time, have a great deal of life. Each bird is presented both in repose, with plumage all folded smoothly back, and in excitement, with every fan and ruff and erectile ornament fully spread.

This peerless family takes kindly to captivity, as has been amply proved by their enduring the voyage and living two years in the unfavorable climate of England, as well as by spending at least nine years in an aviary in China, and there is no reason why we in America should not have opportunity to admire them and study their habits from life. Would that some of our young explorers could be induced to turn from the ice-fields of the Poles, and the death-swamps of the Tropics, to seek these inimitable birds in the mountains and woods of the Papuan Islands--not to shoot for our museum shelves, but to study their manners and customs, and above all to introduce them into American aviaries, that a new and absorbing chapter might be added to our Natural Histories, and the Bird of Paradise cease to be the Bird of Mystery.

INDEX.

African Parrot and Mocking-Bird, 90.

Baltimore Oriole. pursue a blackbird, 4. baby ways, 9. attacked by robin, 10. an unnatural baby, 11. one at a time, 11. the father as drudge, 12. visited by the Cardinal, 215.

Bird of Paradise, 253. where found, 253. mythical stories of, 253. dancing parties, 255. colors, 255. arrangement of plumage, 255. Red Bird of, 255. Golden, 256. Standard-wing, 256. change of form, 256. feathers an index of the mind, 256. interesting new discoveries, 257. Signor d'Albertis, 257. Six-shafted, 257. dusting itself, 258. curious scene, 258. a rare bird, 259. description of, 259. another new one, 259. specimen in N. Y. Museum, 260. description of _P. Raggiana_, 260. danger of beauty, 260. a bare-headed bird, 261. _Manucodia_, 261. _M. Comrii_, 262. _M. Chalybea_, 262. Long-tailed, 263. changeable, 263. _Epimachus Ellioti_, 263. the Gardener bird, 264. description of nest, 264. a clever builder, 265. manners of _P. Apoda_, 266. toilet, 266. dancing parties, 267. twelve-wired, 268. Le Vaillant's work, 268.

Birds. home affairs of, 3. dangers in nest, 5. hard work of, 15. training the young, 15. study of, 16. cruel pursuit of, 239. at twilight, 247.

Bluebird, 97. attitude and manners, 97. attitude and manners, female, 98. defending her spouse, 98. standing guard, 98. defending the young, 99. after the mocking-bird, 99. unsafe nest, 99. tragedy in the family, 100. consoling his mate, 100. an affectionate pair, 101. motherly affection, 102. arrangements for sleep, 102. queer little talk with me, 103. talk together, 104-106. staring at nothing, 104. his mate disapproves, 106. difference in intelligence, 107. demanding meal-worms, 107. expressing themselves, 107. learning by experience, 108. fond of worms, 108. trick on a scarlet tanager, 108. bathing, 109. bewitching dance, 109. sunning himself, 109. feathering out, 110. growing belligerent, 110. courtship, 110. he presents a worm, 110. refusing to share, 111. feeding through wires, 112. change in the song, 112. set free, 112. attacked by sparrows, 112. baby ways, 13. bringing food to young, 47.

Blue Jay, 175. driving corks, 175. hammering, 175. destructiveness, 176. holes in the matting, 176. ornamenting books, 177. pounding upward, 177. hiding things, 177. his regular business, 178. clearing up the room, 178. setting off matches, 179. odd hiding-places, 179. in my hair, 180. intelligent interest, 180. likes and dislikes, 180-191. showing fight, 181. war upon the baby, 181. expression of affection, 181. curiosity, 182. jumping, 183. queer way of alighting, 183. bird of opinions, 183. scolding the rain, 184. strange noises, 184. song, 184. stamping his feet, 184. in anger, 184. peaceful among the birds, 185. timid, 185. afraid of falling, 185. a jay-baby cry, 185. fond of music, 186. attended to business, 187. talking to me, 187. his demon of work, 187. in his vindication, 187. knew what he wanted, 191. human society, 191. tokens of affection, 192. love, 193. ice-cream and cake, 193. hiding his candy, 193. next in favor, 193. difference in treatment, 193. curious dance, 194. missed his frolics, 194. calling his playmate, 194. treatment of a young lady, 195. treatment of a youth, 195. treatment of the head of the household, 195. treatment of a maid, 195. afraid of a trap, 195. a wise bird, 196. cutting a wire, 196. loosening a rubber band, 196. a troublesome pet, 196. on my desk, 196. a cure for hammering, 196. learning to get under the cover, 197. prying into packages, 197. the waste basket, 198. after the photographs, 198. on the door, 198. flying out, 198. the open window, 199. learning to outwit him, 199. the other birds no society, 199. surprising his neighbors, 199. the room in a panic, 200. excitement over a grasshopper, 200. the oriole takes a hand, 200. afraid of a tree, 200. hiding the needles, 202. bathing, 202. beauty of plumage, 202.

Brazilian Cardinal, 232.

Cardinal Grosbeak, or Virginia C., 207. colors, 207. her first admirer, 208. his first call, 208. a mind of her own, 209. his mistake, 209. reproaching her, 209. violent wooing, 210. the obnoxious door, 210. the window, 210. exploring the room, 211. calling on the robin, 211-214. war declared upon her, 211. the window problem, 212. lord-and-master, 212. curious performance, 212. hostilities, 213. jealousy, 214. the looking-glass, 214. calling on the tanager, 214. the bath, 214. calling on the orioles, 215. beginning to sing, 215. a queer game, 215. war again, 216. death of the persecutor, 216. Virginia relieved, 216. expression of crest, 216. a week's peace, 217. arrival of a stranger, 217. Virginia not pleased, 217. the second suitor goes, 218. left alone, 218. set free, 219. the successful wooer, 219. difficulty, studies under, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30.

Golden-winged Woodpecker, or Flicker, 115. in search of a nest, 115. heavy flight, 116. out of a bird store, 117. excessively wild, 117. getting acquainted, 117. peeping out, 118. expressing emotion, 118. in despair, 118. holes in the wall, 118. learning to eat, 118. peculiar attitudes, 119. sleeping, 119. restlessness, 119. taking naps, 120. a heavy sleeper, 120. dreaming, 120. hanging himself, 121. expression of sentiments, 121. the door opened, 121. running about the floor, 121. intelligence, 121. exploring the room, 121. investigating the nails, 122. visiting his neighbors, 122. up the ladder, 122. teasing the goldfinch, 123. down the ladder, 123. stepping down backward, 123. going home, 124. asking to be let out, 124. suddenly familiar, 124. child-like disposition, 124. a silent bird, 124. a strange song, 125. an extraordinary display, 125. the baby of the family, 126. position of rest, 127. flicker talk, 127.

Goldfinch, 72, 152, 157.

Mocking-Bird. baby ways, 13. study of, 23. way of singing, 25-44. fables about, 30-31. nest, 35. domestic relations, 36. home in a pine grove, 37. wooing, 38. dance, 39. love or war? 41. house hunting, 41. building in a storm, 42. on the winding stairs, 43. belligerent, 44. a call on his spouse, 45. frolic on the grass, 45. nest in the cedar, 45. the youngsters out, 46. feeding the babies, 46. the baby cry, 47. parental anxiety, 48, 50, 55. madam remonstrates, 48. telling the news, 49. out of the nest, 50. looks and manners of the infant, 50, 51, 53. a lively youngster, 52. an ignominious flop, 53. baby number two, 53. refuses to move on, 53. thieves--black and white, 54. behavior of a young singer, 54. had his own way, 55. number three neglected, 55. the cry-baby, 56. peculiar hops, 56. a curious performance, 57. the nest, 57. movements, 58, 59. lifting the wings, 60. disposition, 60. quarrel, 61. attack on a crow, 61. song, 62, 63. as imitator, 63.

Mocking-Bird in the house. mocking, 67. intelligence, 67. taking notes, 68. choice of colors, 68. enjoyment of liberty, 69. reason, 69. warmed by a lamp, 69. quiet observation, 70. submitting to imposition, 70. out of the cage, 70. studying surroundings, 71. the pin-cushion, 71. looking-glass, 71. settling his position, 72. the English goldfinch, 72. driven away from the bath, 73. the feathers flew, 74. scene between goldfinch and, 74. insulted by a thrush, 75. dispute over the bath, 75. worrying the Mexican, 77. with the wood thrush, 78. quarrel over the apple, 78. a war dance, 79. settling the thrush, 80. end of the apple contest, 81. decides to remove, 81. teasing the thrush, 83. graceful attack, 83. a change of tactics, 84. a determined enemy, 85. gracefulness, 85. bewitching ways, 86. expression of feathers, 86. the looking-glass, 87. manner of dressing, 89. lifting the wings, 89. steel pen, 89. attack on the parrot, 90. never startled, 91. caught under a shawl, 91. mad frolics, 92. fury of play, 92. reducing the finch to silence, 93. mischief, not malice, 93.

Mexican thrush, 77, 83.

Nonpareil, 28.

Nuthatch baby ways, 12. visited by orioles, 138.

Orchard Orioles, 131. characteristics, 131, 132. persistent singers, 131. making themselves conspicuous, 132. annoying ways, 132. shouting the news, 133. trouble in the family, 133. plumage, 133, 134. two suitors to one maid, 134. he will have his way, 134. she flew for her life, 134. voice of female, 135. beauty of female, 135. restless manners, 135. a war dance, 136. an anti-climax, 137. a meek damsel, 137. inquisitive, 138. visiting the mocking-bird's nest, 138. visiting nuthatches, 138. interested in me, 139. the crisis, 139. nesting time begun, 139. matters settled, 140. the honeymoon, 140. submitting to the inevitable, 140. nest building, 140. precipitate wooing, 141. grumbling husbands, 141. a feathered thief, 142. the end was not yet, 142. with a grasshopper, 201.

Pewee, baby ways, 15. learning to hover, 16.

Plover, 24.

Purple Crow Blackbird. in trouble, 4. launching the infants, 5. blackbird babies, 7.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak, 239. dress; characters, 239. manner of eating, 240. about the room, 240. a creature of habit, 240. intelligence, 241. had his own opinion, 241. change of place, 242. contented and happy, 242. a silent bird, 243. queer noises, 243. disturbed by an owl, 243. song, 244-249. the looking-glass, 244. posturing, 245. curious movements, 246. bathing, 246. color, 247. night, 248. never playful, 249.

Robin baby ways, 14, 47.

Robin called in by Cardinal, 211-214.