EASTERN ETHIOPIA 



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The most delicate use of beaks is nest building ; the 

 neatness and beauty of many nests, especially those 

 constructed by the weaver-birds are always a source of 

 admiration. Some birds with apparently clumsy beaks 

 build exquisite nests ; other birds with dainty bills 

 make ugly nests. 



The Open-bill (A ncustomun lamelligerus). It uses its nut cracker- 

 like bill to break the shells of molluscs. A feather from 

 the breast is sketched to show the expanded terminal part 

 of the shaft ; it is also slightly twisted on its axis. 



Some of the birds which live in Eastern Ethiopia 

 possess the largest and most curious beaks known to 

 ornithologists. Such are the Whale-headed Stork, 

 Pelican, Saddle-billed Stork, Ibis, Marabou Stork, Open- 

 bill, Goliath Heron, the Scissor-bill or Skimmer, and 

 the Spoonbill. 



The Open-bill, a black, long-legged, stork-like bird 



