It is four feet high, and covers a breadth of nine feet when the wings are spread.

The birds of this species are wont to collect in large flocks on the North Syrian rivers, and to arrange themselves in several rows across the streams where they are shallowest.

Here they squat side by side, as close to one another as possible, and spread out their tails against the current, thus forming a temporary dam.

The water drains off below them, and when it has reached its lowest point, at a signal from one of their number who from the bank watches the proceedings, they rise and swoop upon the fish, frogs, etc., which the lowering of the water has exposed to view.
Fish are abundant in the Chaldaean marshes, and in almost all the fresh-water lakes and rivers.

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