They were not entirely white--although, in looking at them from below, they appeared so; but as, in sailing round the circle, they sometimes held themselves sideways in the air, their backs at intervals could be seen distinctly.
It was then noticed that the upper part of their bodies was of a rich cream colour, while their wings above--both plumes and coverts--were of a glossy brown.

Their tails were tipped with black; but the whole of the under part of their bodies was of a pure milk-like white.

But the most singular appearance about these birds was presented on their heads and necks.

These were entirely naked of feathers as far down as the shoulders--where the neck was encircled by a large ruff that looked like a tippet--and the naked skin of both head and neck exhibited the most brilliant colours of orange and red.

These colours were not mixed nor mottled together; but each belonged to separate parts of the membrane, forming distinct and regular figures--according to the manner in which the cartilaginous covering is itself most singularly divided.