470 



NATURAL HISTORY 



precision, when' the birds walk unsuspicious of danger. When taking 

 wing, it springs powerfully from the ground, bending low to gather 

 strength, and for a little distance flaps hurriedly with dangling leo-s, 

 as if it was much exertion to lift so heavy a bod} 7 . But fairly on wing, 

 clear of all obstacles, the flight is firm, strong, and direct, performed 



Fig. 397. — Adjutant, or marabou stork (Leptoptilos crumenifer) . 



with continuous, moderately rapid beats of the wing except when the 

 birds are sailing in circles; when, with wide-spread, motionless pinions, 

 they go round and round as if supported by magic. A score or more cross 

 each other's paths in interminable spirals ; their snowy bodies tipped at 

 the wing-points with jetty black, clear cut against the sky ; they become 

 specks in the air, and finally pass from view. 



