to the throat. In the breeding season more white is noticeable, 
especially on the flanks, head and upper parts of the neck. The 
crest is black and white, long and silky. These birds live chiefly on 
fish. They are usually seen, sitting motionless on the rocks probably 
alter a meal or meditating on another excursion into the turbid 
waters. On such occasions their wings are partially opened, as 
though anxious to dry their wetted feathers in the genial sunshine. 
(1008) PrLorus MELANOGASTER, Indian Sinake-Bird. This 
prettily marked, typical and master-diver, has a long slender neck, 
snake-like in appearance ; feet and body like Cormorants ;_ bill 
straight, coming to a sharp point at the tip, which is toothed ; tail 
long and rounded. Melanogaster is said to be, Cormorant with 
head and neck of herons. This only gives an approximate idea of 
the bird in question, in other respects it is a more aberrant species. 
The scapulary feathers are elongated hackles, beautifully marked, 
silver and black. Snake-Bird, as it is called is about 32 inches in 
length ; colour, brown on the back, spotted on the sides ; wing- 
coverts black also richly spotted: quills and tail black, the latter 
having a barred appearance ; breast and under parts glossy brownish 
black. These birds are not found in the district. They are 
plentiful in Bengal and frequent rivers and beels. As they paddle 
about on the surface of the water among reeds and rushes, they turn 
and twist their heads and long necks with the agility of a snake, 
recoiling then darting forward the pointed snake-like head in a 
most realistic manner, at a rising fish. 
FINIS. 
