ITS ARDE1D.E, 



extends over most parts of Persia and Syria. In Ceylon and 

 Java it is not uncommon, In Africa it ranges from the 

 Cape of Good Hope to the Mediterranean. In America it is 

 also found ; and St. Domingo, Martinique, and Trinidad are 

 its constant abode. 



This species does not seem to be exclusive as to locality, 

 inhabiting equally countries that are mountainous or level, 

 covered with forests or only here and there studded with 

 plantations or single trees. Water, in the form of rivers, 

 lakes, ponds, and the like, is requisite for the purpose of sup- 

 plying its necessary food. Like the other species of this 

 family, warm and mild weather is preferable, although the 

 Black Stork remains later in the autumn in the colder 

 countries than most others. The Black Stork arrives in 

 Europe from the south in March, and returns in September and 

 October. Their migration takes place during the day, and at 

 a great elevation in the air. 



The Black Stork is not, like the white species, partial to 

 the society of mankind, but, on the contrary, avoids their pre- 

 sence; thence, also, the reason why it is not so frequently 

 observed. 



In the spring of the year the Black Stork retires to the 

 cover of woods and forests, in the vicinity of swamps, springs, 

 ponds, or ditches. In dry woods, distant from water, this 

 bird does not locate ; neither does the present species care for 

 salt water, but rather frequents the banks of rapid streams. 

 The Black Stork roosts on the branch of a tree, even if it is 

 obliged to fly a great distance in order to obtain such a con- 

 venience. Even during the day-time it perches, after having 

 tired itself in its usual vocation, although this is chiefly 

 observed to be put in practice by a lonely bird. The branch 

 chosen for a perch by the Black Stork is a strong leafless top- 

 branch of the oldest tree in the wood or forest ; and about 

 the time of migration there may be several of them seen 



