

EASTERN ETHIOPIA 



XXVIIl 



Tlie most delicate u,se of l)eaks is nest building ; the 

 neatness and lieauty of many nests, especially those 

 constructed by the wea,ver-birds are always a source of 

 admn-ation. Some birds with apparently clumsy lieaks 

 build exquisite nests; other liirds with dainty bills 

 make uody nests. 





^riie Open-bill (Aiiaslovuis himelligenis). It uses its nut ciacker- 

 like bill to break the shells of iiioUuscs. A feather from 

 the breast is sketched to show the expanded terminal part 

 of the shaft ; it is also slightly twisted on its axis. 



Some of the liirds which live in Eastern Ethiopia 

 possess the largest and most curious beaks known to 

 ornithologists. Such are the Whale-headed Stork, 

 Pelican, Saddle-billed Stork, Ibis, Marabou Stork, Open- 

 bill, Goliath Heron, the Scissor-bill or Skimmer, and 

 the Spoonbill. 



The Open-bill, a black, long-legged, stork-like bird 



