348 
EASTERN ETHIOPIA 
XXVIII 
ingenuity lias been exercised to account for the origin of 
the legend. None is satisfactory. It is an established 
fact that the pelican feeds its chicks on fishes which 
have been partially macerated in its own crop. 
The biggest bird that Hies, the Marabou, is easily 
recognised by its huge and powerful bill, and scabrous 
The Marabou Stork {Lejytoptilus crumenifer) has the longest bill 
of any living bird, and it is the biggest bird that flies. It is 
sometimes nearly five feet high. 
head with a few small feathers scattered about it. The 
huge pouch hanging in front of its neck is most 
conspicuous when the bird feeds. These scanty feathers 
and the pouch have earned for this stork the name of 
Le2)t02)tAlus crumenifer. As if to make up for this 
deficiency about the head and neck, the bird is furnished 
