426 



EXPLANATORY INDEX. 



Jabiru [Mycteria Americana). — The Jabirus, of which there 

 are several species, are closely related to the well-known 

 adjutant birds of India, and belong to the family of storks. 

 Large as are several of the storks, the Jabirus are still larger, 

 and come next to the ostrich'^s in point of size. They may be 

 easily distinguished from other storks by the shape of their 

 very large beaks, which turn slightly upward at the point. 



One species inhabits Australia, and from the account of 

 Dr. Bennett, who kept one in confinement for a long time, it 

 almost exactly resembles the South American species, especi- 

 ally in its extreme wariness. It is so cautious that even the 

 natives find great diificulty in procuring a specimen. 



The bird became very tame, and was allowed to wander 

 about the house and yard. It made friends with the cook, 

 and when hungry, used to search for her. It never tried to 

 steal the meat, but waited patiently until it was cut up. Dr. 

 Bennett mentions that it would catch flies on the wing, and 

 that he has seen it, while squatting on the ground, with its 

 long legs doubled up beneath its body, dart its 

 bill into the ground, and drag out the larvae of 

 insects, mostly those of the great cicada. 



On account of the black, bare head, the Dutch 

 of Surinam call it negro-cope, or black-head. 



Both illustrations here given were sketched in 

 the Zoological Gardens from the same bird, in 

 order to show how completely the attitude alters 

 the aspecto The first shows it as it was viewed 

 from behind. The bird was then standing 

 quietly, resting the whole weight of its body on 

 one \eg, and having the other slightly x'aised. 

 Its attention was roused by my movements as 

 I shifted about to procure a favourable view, and it kept a 

 watchful eye upon me the while. 



JABIRU 



CONTEMPLATR'E. 



