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SAVAGE SUDAN 



cally a right-angle with the rest. The kink is plainly 

 perceptible in the darter, even when the birds are flying 

 past. At the moment of the thrust being delivered, this 

 cross-set bone straightens out into line, like a released 

 spring, thereby giving increased range, and greater force, 

 to the blow. 



Neither of these birds impale their prey. A darter, 

 on making a catch, usually brings his victim to the 

 surface though nothing but the bird's head and neck 



"CROP-FULL" MID-DAY. WOOD-IBIS AT KHOR ATTAR. 



% 



resembling a periscope appears above-water. It can then 

 be seen that the fish is held between the mandibles. 



When he feels "cropful," the darter flops heavily up 

 from the water leaving a troubled wake like a steam-tug 

 and, carrying his latest capture, directs a course towards 

 his accustomed perch on some ambatch-bush. Arrived 

 thereat, after having gorged his final prey, he utters 

 perhaps by way of Grace? a long low chuckle. Then 

 he spreads himself out to dry. 



Among other wading-birds observed on these back- 

 waters of Khor Attar may be briefly summarised : 



