STORKS. 



165 



the respiratory system, not with the a'sophagus, 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 

 senii-j)lumcs 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, i. dubius, as follows : — 



<f^. 



FlO. 81. — Amulomiu lamelligcrut, 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 slaugliter-houses, and esjjeeially the 

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

 the rivers. In the Deccan it soars at an immense heiglit 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 ai.i)etite, tlie adjutant reposes during the heat of the day, somo- 



