The family whose extraordinary dress and mystery of origin justify3 its name—Birds of Paradise—is securely hidden in distant islands not friendly to bird-hunting races. Inaccessible4 mountains and pathless forests repel5 the traveler; impassable ravines bar his advance; sickness and death lie in wait for the white man, while the native lurks6 with poisoned dart7 behind every bush.
The first of the race that came to us were heralded8 by myth and invested with marvels:[Pg 254] they had no feet; they slept upon the wing; they fed upon dew, and hatched their eggs upon their backs. Such were the tales that accompanied the skins, magnificent beyond anything known to the world in the glory of plumage, and they were named Birds of Paradise. But science is supposed in these days to conquer all mysteries, and science armed itself with powder and shot, game bags, provision trains, and servants, and set out for the far-away inhospitable islands, the home of this, the most attractive of all. Science has solved many problems: the "Heart of Africa" has become a highway; the Polar sea and the source of the Nile are no longer unknown; but with her most persistent9 efforts during three hundred years she has not yet been able to give us the life history of this one feathered family. Many of her devotees have penetrated11 to its home and brought back fresh varieties; money, health, and life have been freely spent; but, save for a few strange and curious facts, we know little more of the manner of life of the Birds of Paradise than we did when we depended on the native legends. How some of them look we know; we have their skins wired into shape in our museums and gorgeously pictured in our books; but every traveler finds new kinds, and how[Pg 255] many sorts there may be which have so far eluded12 the few and short visits of naturalists13, no one is able to tell. Even of those we have, how scanty15 is our knowledge! What they eat we are told; how they bathe and dress their plumage; their loud calls and unmusical voices; the shyness of those whose conspicuous16 beauty sets a price upon their heads, and their "dancing parties," so graphically17 described by Wallace; but of their nesting we are in profound ignorance. Where the gravely dressed partners of the brilliant creatures set up the hearthstone none can tell, unless it be the mop-headed Papuan, and he will not.
The colors lavished18 on the plumage would alone make the Birds of Paradise the wonder of the world; exquisite19 tints20 not surpassed by the humming-birds themselves, and of almost infinite variety, from the richest velvety21 purple to the gorgeous metallic22 greens, blues23, and yellows, changing with every motion, and glittering in the sun like gems24. But the marvelous freaks in the arrangement of the plumage are more specially26 interesting. So extraordinary a variety of forms, so unique and fantastic in disposal, are without parallel in the animal world. Some species are adorned27 with long, drooping28 tufts of plumes29 light as air, as the Red Bird of Paradise, and others bear strange-shaped,[Pg 256] movable shields; part of the family wear ruffs, and others display fans on shoulders or breast; a few sport extravagant30 length of tail, and one or two show bright-hued wattles; one species is bare-headed, and—other vagaries32 being exhausted33—two have curls. The greater number have an unusual development of two or more feathers into long, wire-like objects, with a patch of web at the ends. In one species these wires are formed into two perfect circles beyond the end of the tail; in another they cross each other in a graceful34 double curve, and in a third stand straight and stiff from the end of the feathers. The Sexpennis, or Golden Bird of Paradise, has on the head six of these shafts35, which it erects36 at pleasure, producing a singular appearance; and the Standard Wing has two on each wing, equally effective. Perhaps the most peculiar37 fact about the family is the power each bird possesses to change its form by means of these eccentric ornaments38. All are erectile and movable in several ways, and a bird that is at one moment like our common crow in shape, may in the next show a dazzling array of waving plumes or vibrating fans, and be utterly40 unrecognizable for the same creature. It is evident to all bird students that feathers are as surely an "index of the mind" as are tails[Pg 257] in cat and dog, and the manners and expression of this family would be a study of absorbing interest.
Not to mention the birds already familiar in books, there are a few interesting peculiarities41 of some of the late discoveries, and the possible varieties are by no means exhausted, so that each new traveler who penetrates42 into their chosen home will doubtless have opportunity to see his own name Latinized into dignity and bestowed43 upon some brilliant and hitherto unknown bird, having a new disposition44 of plumage, or a color more beautiful—if conceivable—than any before. One of the most attractive of the recent additions to the list was made by Signor D'Albertis, and named for him Drepanoris Albertisi. In a letter to a Sydney newspaper he tells the story of the discovery, which occurred while he was living in a Papuan mansion45 built upon the trunks of trees, and reached by means of a long ladder. From this unique residence he made excursions into the mountains, and, among other things, had the good fortune to see two curious episodes in the life of the Six-shafted Bird of Paradise. He found this bird—which is not new to science—to be a noisy and solitary46 fellow, roaming the thick woods alone, dining upon figs47 and other fruits, and[Pg 258] indulging in the strange habit of "dusting" itself like a city sparrow. Happily he saw the whole operation. Selecting a suitable spot, the beautiful bird first cleared away the grass and leaves, and while the eager observer was wondering what all this preparation portended48, suddenly flung itself to the ground, and rolled its rich plumage in the dust, fluttered the wings, elevated and depressed49 the six plumes on its head, and otherwise appeared to enjoy itself extremely. At another time the traveler witnessed a second uncommon50 scene in the deep interior of the forest. A bird of the same species alighted upon the ground, and after peering in every direction, either to make sure of being unobserved, or to discover an enemy or a friend, began a most singular performance, waving the six long plumes of the head, raising and lowering a small tuft of silvery white feathers over its beak51, elevating a glittering crest52 on its neck, and spreading and drawing back the long feathers on its sides, every movement entirely53 changing its apparent shape. In a short time it began to jump from side to side and to assume an attitude of war, and all the time it never ceased uttering an uncommon note, as though calling for admiration54 or for a fight.
Not long after this curious exhibition followed[Pg 259] the observer's great prize, the Drepanoris Albertisi, which is so rare that even to many of the natives it was a surprise. At the first glance this bird does not appear to deserve a place in the remarkable55 family. It is about the size of our common crow, brown on the back and lavender-gray below, with a curved bill more than three inches long. But closer study reveals several peculiarities: a bare space of bright blue around the eye, brilliant green on the throat, and a pair of feathery tufts standing56 up on the forehead like horns, with the crowning attraction of two pairs of fans, one behind the other on each side of the breast, capable of being folded smoothly57 against the body, or spread wide in two gorgeous semicircles altering the entire outlines of the creature. The first of the two admirable ornaments, when in repose58, appears of the same violet-gray hue31 as the breast; but when raised the bases of the feathers are seen to be of a brilliant red, giving the effect of longitudinal stripes. The second pair is much longer, with deep margins59 of splendid purple instead of the stripes. When the possessor of all this splendor60 spreads its four fans, it also erects the long tail and opens it widely into a fifth fan, which produces an astonishing effect.
Another of D'Albertis's contributions to the[Pg 260] mysterious family is among its most magnificent members, the Paradisea Raggiana. A fine specimen61 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 gem25 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 wary62 though it be, one characteristic lures63 it to destruction—curiosity. A European hunter in his unfamiliar64 dress is an irresistible65 attraction; nearer and nearer it comes, hopping66 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 distress67 brings the friends nearer, only to fall victims in their turn to the same murderous gun. Our traveler once surprised a female[Pg 261] of this species, and a droll68 proceeding69 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 scrutinizing70 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 accomplished71 the feat10 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 irresistibly72 remind one of the sutures of the human skull73. 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 ornament39. 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[Pg 262] indefatigable74 naturalists who have braved the dangers and discomfort75 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 ridges76 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 eccentricities77 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 severely78 disapproved79 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[Pg 263] 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, glossy80 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 texture81. Words cannot describe the grace and elegance82 of this bird, and the perfect specimen in the museum above mentioned is worthy83 of a pilgrimage to see.
A "changeable" Bird of Paradise is the one remaining eccentricity84 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 hues85; in ordinary light, when perfectly86 motionless, the bird appears of[Pg 264] a soft black, but on moving about the color varies from violet to maroon87, from this to deep amethyst88, 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 naturalist14 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 bower89 close to a small meadow enameled90 with flowers. The whole was on a diminutive91 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[Pg 265] caution, since the Papuans take great care never to disturb these nests or bowers92, 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 sketch93 which I now publish. When I was there neither host nor hostess was at home.... I could not ascertain94 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 wither95." 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[Pg 266] 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 confinement96 nine years. His description of the toilet of the most exquisite of birds is delightful97.
"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 chaste98 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 beheld99 a soil on its feathers. After expanding the wings it would bring them together so as to conceal100 the head, then bending gracefully101 it would inspect the state of its plumage underneath102.... It then picks and cleans its plumage in every part within reach, and throwing out the elegant and delicate tuft[Pg 267] 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 grasshoppers103 from visitors, he concludes: "Should any of the insects fall to the floor of his cage he will not descend104 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 vertically105 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 vibration106. 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[Pg 268] by his plumage, the crouching107 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 fully1 spread.[Pg 269]
This peerless family takes kindly108 to captivity109, 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 aviary110 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 aviaries111, 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.
The End
The End
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1
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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eminent
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| adj.显赫的，杰出的，有名的，优良的 | |
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justify
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| vt.证明…正当(或有理)，为…辩护 | |
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inaccessible
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| adj.达不到的，难接近的 | |
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repel
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| v.击退，抵制，拒绝，排斥 | |
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lurks
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| n.潜在，潜伏；（lurk的复数形式）vi.潜伏，埋伏（lurk的第三人称单数形式） | |
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dart
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| v.猛冲，投掷；n.飞镖，猛冲 | |
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heralded
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| v.预示( herald的过去式和过去分词 )；宣布（好或重要） | |
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persistent
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| adj.坚持不懈的，执意的；持续的 | |
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feat
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| n.功绩；武艺，技艺；adj.灵巧的，漂亮的，合适的 | |
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penetrated
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| adj. 击穿的，鞭辟入里的 动词penetrate的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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eluded
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| v.（尤指机敏地）避开( elude的过去式和过去分词 )；逃避；躲避；使达不到 | |
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naturalists
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| n.博物学家( naturalist的名词复数 )；（文学艺术的）自然主义者 | |
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naturalist
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| n.博物学家(尤指直接观察动植物者) | |
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scanty
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| adj.缺乏的，仅有的，节省的，狭小的，不够的 | |
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conspicuous
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| adj.明眼的，惹人注目的；炫耀的，摆阔气的 | |
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graphically
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| adv.通过图表；生动地，轮廓分明地 | |
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lavished
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| v.过分给予，滥施( lavish的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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exquisite
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| adj.精美的；敏锐的；剧烈的，感觉强烈的 | |
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tints
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| 色彩( tint的名词复数 )； 带白的颜色； （淡色）染发剂； 痕迹 | |
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velvety
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| adj. 像天鹅绒的, 轻软光滑的, 柔软的 | |
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metallic
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| adj.金属的；金属制的；含金属的；产金属的；像金属的 | |
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blues
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| n.抑郁，沮丧；布鲁斯音乐 | |
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gems
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| growth； economy； management； and customer satisfaction 增长 | |
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gem
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| n.宝石，珠宝；受爱戴的人 [同]jewel | |
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specially
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| adv.特定地；特殊地；明确地 | |
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adorned
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| [计]被修饰的 | |
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drooping
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| adj. 下垂的，无力的 动词droop的现在分词 | |
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plumes
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| 羽毛( plume的名词复数 )； 羽毛饰； 羽毛状物； 升上空中的羽状物 | |
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extravagant
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| adj.奢侈的；过分的；(言行等)放肆的 | |
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hue
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| n.色度；色调；样子 | |
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vagaries
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| n.奇想( vagary的名词复数 )；异想天开；异常行为；难以预测的情况 | |
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exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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shafts
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| n.轴( shaft的名词复数 )；（箭、高尔夫球棒等的）杆；通风井；一阵（疼痛、害怕等） | |
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erects
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| v.使直立，竖起( erect的第三人称单数 )；建立 | |
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peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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ornaments
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| n.装饰( ornament的名词复数 )；点缀；装饰品；首饰v.装饰，点缀，美化( ornament的第三人称单数 ) | |
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ornament
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| v.装饰，美化；n.装饰，装饰物 | |
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utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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peculiarities
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| n. 特质, 特性, 怪癖, 古怪 | |
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penetrates
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| v.穿过( penetrate的第三人称单数 )；刺入；了解；渗透 | |
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bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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mansion
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| n.大厦，大楼；宅第 | |
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solitary
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| adj.孤独的，独立的，荒凉的；n.隐士 | |
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figs
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| figures 数字，图形，外形 | |
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portended
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| v.预示( portend的过去式和过去分词 )；预兆；给…以警告；预告 | |
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depressed
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| adj.沮丧的，抑郁的，不景气的，萧条的 | |
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uncommon
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| adj.罕见的，非凡的，不平常的 | |
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beak
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| n.鸟嘴，茶壶嘴，钩形鼻 | |
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crest
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| n.顶点；饰章；羽冠；vt.达到顶点；vi.形成浪尖 | |
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entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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smoothly
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| adv.平滑地，顺利地，流利地，流畅地 | |
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repose
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| v.(使)休息；n.安息 | |
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margins
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| 边( margin的名词复数 )； 利润； 页边空白； 差数 | |
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splendor
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| n.光彩；壮丽，华丽；显赫，辉煌 | |
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specimen
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| n.样本，标本 | |
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wary
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| adj.谨慎的，机警的，小心的 | |
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lures
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| 吸引力，魅力（lure的复数形式） | |
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unfamiliar
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| adj.陌生的，不熟悉的 | |
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irresistible
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| adj.非常诱人的，无法拒绝的，无法抗拒的 | |
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hopping
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| n. 跳跃 动词hop的现在分词形式 | |
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distress
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| n.苦恼，痛苦，不舒适；不幸；vt.使悲痛 | |
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droll
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| adj.古怪的，好笑的 | |
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proceeding
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| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
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scrutinizing
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| v.仔细检查，详审( scrutinize的现在分词 ) | |
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accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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irresistibly
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| adv.无法抵抗地，不能自持地；极为诱惑人地 | |
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skull
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| n.头骨；颅骨 | |
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indefatigable
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| adj.不知疲倦的，不屈不挠的 | |
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discomfort
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| n.不舒服，不安，难过，困难，不方便 | |
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ridges
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| n.脊( ridge的名词复数 )；山脊；脊状突起；大气层的)高压脊 | |
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eccentricities
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| n.古怪行为( eccentricity的名词复数 )；反常；怪癖 | |
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severely
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| adv.严格地；严厉地；非常恶劣地 | |
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disapproved
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| v.不赞成( disapprove的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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glossy
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| adj.平滑的；有光泽的 | |
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texture
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| n.(织物)质地；(材料)构造；结构；肌理 | |
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elegance
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| n.优雅；优美，雅致；精致，巧妙 | |
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worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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eccentricity
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| n.古怪，反常，怪癖 | |
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hues
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| 色彩( hue的名词复数 )； 色调； 信仰； 观点 | |
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perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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maroon
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| v.困住，使（人）处于孤独无助之境；n.逃亡黑奴；孤立的人；酱紫色，褐红色；adj.酱紫色的，褐红色的 | |
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amethyst
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| n.紫水晶 | |
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bower
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| n.凉亭，树荫下凉快之处；闺房；v.荫蔽 | |
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enameled
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| 涂瓷釉于，给…上瓷漆，给…上彩饰( enamel的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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diminutive
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| adj.小巧可爱的，小的 | |
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bowers
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| n.（女子的）卧室( bower的名词复数 )；船首锚；阴凉处；鞠躬的人 | |
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sketch
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| n.草图；梗概；素描；v.素描；概述 | |
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ascertain
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| vt.发现，确定，查明，弄清 | |
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wither
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| vt.使凋谢，使衰退，(用眼神气势等)使畏缩；vi.枯萎，衰退，消亡 | |
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confinement
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| n.幽禁，拘留，监禁；分娩；限制，局限 | |
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delightful
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| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
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chaste
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| adj.贞洁的；有道德的；善良的；简朴的 | |
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beheld
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| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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gracefully
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| ad.大大方方地；优美地 | |
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102
underneath
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| adj.在...下面，在...底下；adv.在下面 | |
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103
grasshoppers
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| n.蚱蜢( grasshopper的名词复数 )；蝗虫；蚂蚱；（孩子）矮小的 | |
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descend
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| vt./vi.传下来，下来，下降 | |
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vertically
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| adv.垂直地 | |
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106
vibration
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| n.颤动，振动；摆动 | |
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107
crouching
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| v.屈膝，蹲伏( crouch的现在分词 ) | |
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kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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109
captivity
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| n.囚禁；被俘；束缚 | |
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aviary
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| n.大鸟笼，鸟舍 | |
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aviaries
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| n.大鸟笼( aviary的名词复数 )；鸟舍；鸟类饲养场；鸟类饲养者 | |
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