THE FILLA-MA-LOO BIRD
Fulica stultusregrediens
A curious character, varying widely from the usual run of feathered animals. A bird distinctly low in intellectual curiosity, showing complete and consistent indifference as to where he’s going. He prefers only to see where he’s been; hence he always flies backwards.
A rather rare species, frequently heard of, but seldom seen. Authentic reports are none too common. This is odd, for a turkey-like head on a long bottle-green neck sparsely spangled with large, silvery scales, a black right wing and a pink left one make a color combination hard to miss. The nest is usually built upside down; the eggs (seven to a clutch) are invariably Grade D. The call resembles the clank of a Johnson bar being shoved into reverse.5
Variously called the Goofus Bird, the Flu-fly Bird, etc.
4: Tryon lists “Filla-Ma-Loo” as the primary name for this particular creature and “Goofus” as an alternate. Today, the common nomenclature for this animal is the “Goofus Bird” rather than the former title.
5: A Jonhson bar is the lever on a steam locomotive that regulates emission of steam. Pulling the Johnson Bar forwards opens the flow of steam increasing speed. Moving the Johnson bar in reverse reduces steam slowing the locomotive down . The effect of abruptly moving a Johnson bar into reverse produces a loud shrill noise akin to a kettle but infinitely greater.
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