the neighbourhood of the habitations of man, inhabiting
secluded marshes and forests, and generally building in
high forest trees. It seems that it occasionally takes
possession of the abandoned nests of other birds, and
not infrequently places its nest in the clefts or small
caves of cliffs.
The eggs are said to be four in number, and are of a
dull white colour. I have frequently kept this species
pinioned at Lilford, and find that with a good range
and some protection from severe weather they thrive
remarkably well, and, in common with many other
naturally shy birds, soon become perfectly tame. They
are not very amiable, however, amongst themselves or
with other species, and are very rapacious and pro-
miscuous feeders. The only note that I have ever
heard from them is a clattering of the mandibles,
exactly similar to the well-known rattle of the White
Stork.
The drawing for the accompanying Plate was made
from life at Lilford. I should mention that this species
is a summer visitor to Europe, and is said to winter as
far south as Central India.