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The African Shell-Stork.
(Anastomas lamelligerus.)
The Shell-Stork, Shell-Ibis or Open-Bill is a smaller bird than the Common Stork, this African species being about 26 inches in length. The remarkable bill is narrow, but its depth gives it an appearance of great strength. The two mandibles of the beak are in contact at the extremities, but gape widely in the middle. This peculiar formation enables the bird to crush with ease the shells of molluscs on which it principally feeds; fishes, frogs, insects and worms are also including in its bill of fare. There are three species which are found in India, Cochin China and Africa. The African species is illustrated.