WHITE STORK 41 
Stork has of clattering its mandibles in the breeding- 
season, thereby producing a considerable sound, the bird 
may be said to be quite voiceless. In captivity I have 
never heard it emit a note. 
Food.—The Stork feeds on almost anything. It paces 
quietly through the meadows snatching up worms, insects, 
etc., while small mammals and birds which perchance 
cross its path, are greedily demolished. It also retires to 
marshy districts to catch fish and frogs, while at other 
times it will enter the streets and by-ways and pick up 
garbage. The parent bird feeds its offspring somewhat 
after the fashion of pigeons, by inserting its beak into 
the mouth of the nestling which receives the disgorged 
food. 
Fic. 9—HEAD OF WHITE STORK. if Nat. size. 
Nest.—Where encouraged to breed, the White Stork 
builds on public edifices, such as towers and church belfries 
in towns, as well as on farm-stacks and in trees close 
to human habitation. In more hostile districts this species 
retires to cliffs, lofty rock-ledges, and high trees. The nest 
is built of sticks, and the original structure is added to 
yearly. The eggs are milk-white, the yolk is deep orange 
and the lhning membrane yellow. Three to five con- 
stitute the clutch. 
Incubation begins about the end of March or early in 
April. 
In the nuptial season Storks may be seen dancing about 
with extended wings in a most absurd manner, these love- 
antics may be witnessed in most Zoological Gardens. 
It cannot be said with certainty that the White Stork 
