156 



The Stork-like Birds 



similar to the Black Stork, although smaller and with shorter legs, and possess- 

 ing, moreover, a number of anatomical differences. The general color is black 

 above, slightly glossed with steel-green and purple, the bend of the wing, the 

 back, rump, and upper tail-coverts being white; the head, neck, and fore neck 

 metallic green and purple, while the remainder of the under surface from the 

 fore neck downward is white. The bill is horny green with a crimson tip, while 

 the naked space around the ears, a spot in front of the eyes, nostrils, and throat 

 are crimson; the legs are olive-green, and the feet and knees crimson. This 

 species is exceedingly abundant in many parts of Africa, frequenting the vicinity 

 of the Tillages during the breeding season, where it is venerated and protected 

 much as is the White Stork in Europe. Andersson says : "This somewhat coarse 

 but handsome Stork arrives in Damara Land during the rainy season, leaving it 

 again on the approach of the dry. The more plentiful the rain, the more abun- 

 dant the birds, the cause being simply the great abundance of food. This species 

 feeds largely on locusts, but devours with equal gusto beetles of all kinds, many 

 hundreds of which I have taken from the stomach of a single bird ; it also devours 



small reptiles, water-rats, fish, and frogs, but 

 appears to prefer locusts when these are to 

 be had, chasing them over the ground as 

 well as in the air." These birds usually 

 nest in communities, placing the nests in 

 trees, sometimes to the number of twenty or 

 thirty in a single tree. The eggs are three 

 or four, and small for the size of the bird. 



The Adjutants, or Marabou Storks (Lep- 

 toptilus), are the largest and at the same time 

 the homeliest members of the whole group. 

 They are from forty to sixty inches in 

 length, with an enormous bill, a bare head 

 and neck, and a curious pouch pendent 

 from the chest. This pouch is popularly 

 supposed to be a receptacle for food, but 

 as a matter of fact it has no connection with 

 the esophagus. Another feature of moment 

 is afforded by the under tail-coverts, which are 

 composed of beautiful, soft, downy plumes. 

 The general color of the bird is ashy gray 

 above, with a green reflection, and pure 

 white below. These birds are true scaven- 

 gers, feeding largely on carrion but also capturing living prey such as fish, 

 tortoises, and snakes. In India it is a common sight to see them about the 

 streets of the towns, unabashed by the presence of man or dog, and such 

 is its value that it is protected by law in many places. After satisfying 

 its hunger it seeks repose during the heat of the day, and may often be seen 

 standing for hours with one foot drawn up under its body, or resting on the 



FIG. 51. Indian Adjutant, Leptoptilus 

 dubius. 



