ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS. 
9 
must, therefore, be regarded merely as an adjunct to the 
usual air-sacs found in birds, and which contribute 
to increase the temperature of the blood, and make the 
skeleton pneumatic. 
Mycteria australis , or the Black-necked Stork, sometimes 
known as the Indian Jabiru, is a bird of great size, and has 
a wide distribution over India and the Malayan region, 
extending even into Australia. In its habits and food it 
much resembles the adjutant. 
The Pelicans belong to a somewhat grotesque group of 
birds characterized by their large bodies, powerful wings, 
short limbs, webbed feet, and the large loose bag or pouch 
beneath the lower jaw ; the tongue being quite rudimen¬ 
tary and reduced to a mere tubercle. The pelicans are 
universally distributed, occurring in both the Old and the 
New Worlds, but confined to temperate and tropical regions. 
Nine species are known. The bill is strongly hooked at its 
tip, and its under half forms a flexible framework to which 
the pouch is attached, and it is in this receptacle that 
the fish which the bird catches are stored, to be afterwards 
swallowed at leisure, or to be disgorged for its young. In 
order to empty its pouch the bird presses its crimson-tipped 
beak against its breast, and it is this habit doubtless that 
gave rise to the fable, that the pelican pierces its breast in 
order to draw blood wherewith to feed its young. Al¬ 
though there is no truth in this fable, the pelican does not 
appear to be without compassion for its own kind when 
helpless and suffering, for it is related that the inhabitants 
of Mexico being aware of this trait in its character, catch a 
pelican, break its wing and tie it to a tree. Its cries of 
distress attract other pelicans, which are said to bring fishes 
in their pouches and disgorge them for the food of the 
B 
