RECORD: Darwin, C. R. 1861.04.19. Mr Gould remarked to me that all birds of which the males have beautiful plumage delight in displaying it. CUL-DAR84.2.190. Edited by John van Wyhe (The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online, http://darwin-online.org.uk/)

REVISION HISTORY: Transcribed by Christine Chua and edited by John van Wyhe 3.2022. RN2

NOTE: See record in the Darwin Online manuscript catalogue, enter its Identifier here. Reproduced with permission of the Syndics of Cambridge University Library and William Huxley Darwin. The volumes CUL-DAR80-86 contain material for Darwin's book Descent of man (1871).

Darwin cited this in Descent 2: 86, n80: "See also 'Ornamental Poultry,' by Rev. E. S. Dixon, 1848, p. 8."

[190]

Ap. 19 - 61 Mr Gould remarked to me that all birds of which the males have beautiful plumage delight in displaying it.— Whenever beauty of plumage varies with season, or it undergoes brightest just before breeding season. Dixon on the case where Peacock takes of its plumage (& Birds of Paradise) But as a general rule, Gould says that beautiful song & plumage do not go together. Battle & beauty does. We must suppose beauty created to charm female —  describe Peacock Tail. In Heliothrix, in which females have longer tail the male nevertheless is very gorgeous.

Ch VI

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[190v]

Except man Birds the most æsthetical of animals. (Bower Birds) but to some species seldom appreciate music & colouring — their tastes are limited. Like [illeg] Ladies in old Tournaments of old highly appreciate courting & rewards with their highest favour victory

Ch 6

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Citation: John van Wyhe, ed. 2002-. The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online. (http://darwin-online.org.uk/)

File last updated 17 August, 2025