130 



legs and toes dull orange ; the head and back of the 

 neck dusky black, glossed with green ; the remaining 

 plumage dark shining green. 



Shot in West Sedgemoor, Somersetshire, 1 3th May, 

 1814. (Montagu in Lin. Tramac. vol. xii. p. ]9-) 



The spine in birds is immoveable, but the neck flexible, 

 and its length depends upon the number of the vertebrae, 

 varying in almost every species. 



3. CICONIA. 



C. ALBA, SHAW. * 



A. alba, orbitis nudis remigibusque nigris,roslropedi- 

 bus cuteque sanyuimis, Lath. 



The bill is about 7 inches long and red ; the legs 

 and thighs are also red ; the plumage bright white 

 except the quills, greater coverts, and some of the 

 scapulars, which are black ; irides dark ; the orbits, 

 base of feathers dusky reddish ; the feathers of the 

 breast are long and pendulous. 



The stork is migratory, observing the time of its de- 

 parture from Europe with great exactness. It feeds upon 

 serpents and lizards, &c. and is highly esteemed for its 

 usefulness in clearing away vermin in many countries. In 

 Holland it breeds upon the houses in boxes placed there 

 by the inhabitants. 



The female lays from 2 to 4 white eggs. 



