STORKS. 



165 



the respiratory system, not with the oesophagus, as is the popular notion ; Blyth 

 regarded it as a reservoir of air for supply during protracted acts of deglutition in the 

 species which feed upon carrion. They also present another unique feature, as the 

 serai-plumes of the anal region are lengthened so as to protrude beyond and conceal 

 the true feathers, thus forming a downy ornament of a most interesting character. 

 These under tail-coverts are the so-called marabou feathers, which especially formerly 

 were used extensively on ladies' hats. Jerdon informs us of the habits of the 

 large Indian species, L. dubius, as follows : 



FIG. 81. Anastomus lameliigerus, open-bill. 



"In Calcutta and some other large towns, the adjutant is a familiar bird, unscared 

 by the near approach of man or dog, and protected in some cases by law. It is an 

 efficient scavenger, attending the neighborhood of slaughter-houses, and especially the 

 burning-grounds of the Hindus, where the often half-burnt carcasses are thrown into 

 the rivers. In the Deccan it soars at an immense height in the air, along with vul- 

 tures, ready to descend on any carcass that may be discovered. After it has satisfied 

 the cravings of its appetite, the adjutant reposes during the heat of the day, some- 



