THE SNIPES.
These Birds closely resemble the Woodcocks, but are smaller and also different in their habits. They live in the marshes, feeding on grubs and aquatic plants. They are found in nearly all parts of the globe, and they make their nests among the reeds in muddy, boggy places, difficult of access to both man and beast; in which they lay four or five eggs. The young ones leave the nest as soon as they are hatched, but for a long time the parents feed them, as their long bills are not solid enough to bore for their own food.
WADING BIRDS WITH KNIFE-SHAPED BILLS.
The fourth family of Wading Birds is classified by a Latin name meaning knife-shaped bill, although the different Birds found in this group have bills of many curious forms; they are all long, sharp-edged and very strong. These Birds live along the edges of marshes and the banks of rivers, and their long legs have great strength; so that many of them are able to stand on one leg for hours together. This faculty is said to be due to a curious arrangement in the knee—a sort of knot which stiffens the ligaments of the knee, forming a kind of catch similar to the spring of a knife.
The principal species of this family are the various Storks—including the Argala or Adjutant, the Marabou and Jabiru—the Spoonbill, Boatbill, Heron and the different Cranes—including the Egret and the Bittern.
THE STORKS.
BROAD-BILLED STORK OF AFRICA.
The Common Stork has a long and straight bill, wide at the base, pointed and sharp-edged; the legs are long and slender; the tail is short. They are found in nearly all parts of the world. Some species migrate with regularity, being admirably constructed for traveling long distances; for, although their bulk seems great, their weight is comparatively small, as most of their bones are hollow. In their migratory journeys, which occur principally by night, they fly in continuous or angular lines.
Storks prefer moist swampy localities, as they feed principally on Reptiles, Batrachians and Fishes; but small Birds and Mammalia, Molluscs, Worms, Insects, even Bees are not refused by them, or carrion, and other impurities. Their manner is slow and grave; they never appear in a hurry. On the wing they resemble crosses, from their manner of carrying the head and neck. They have no voice, and the only noise they make is a cracking, which results from one mandible striking against the other, and which expresses either anger or love; it is sometimes very loud. They lay from two to four eggs. The duration of their life is from fifteen to twenty years.