THE BLACK STORK. 



CiCONIA NIGRA. Ray. 



The Black Stork resembles the White in form and 

 proportions, but is somewhat smaller in size ; and the 

 hue of its plumage, as might be gathered from the 

 epithets applied to the two birds, is very different. 

 But these epithets, if taken strictly, are far from being 

 correct : the White Stork having, as we have seen, a 

 portion of its plumage black ; and the Black exhibiting 

 a variety of shades, of which, however, that from which 

 it derives its name is the most predominant. Its bill, 

 like that of the former bird, is full seven inches in 

 length, and of a dusky red, approaching to orange ; 

 as are also the legs and toes. The colour of the naked 

 skin surrounding the eyes is dull red, and that of the 

 irides hazel. On the head, neck, upper surface of the 

 body, and wings, the feathers are of a deep glossy 

 black, intermingled with varying shades and reflections 

 of violet and green, which become more strongly 



