The annual migration of the bird over the lofty chain of the Himalayas might not be possible, or if possible, more difficult, without this power of decreasing the specific gravity of its body.
It is scarce necessary to say that the adjutant--like all birds of the family to which it belongs--is a filthy and voracious feeder; carnivorous in the highest degree; and preferring carrion and garbage to any other sort of food.

It will kill and swallow live kind--such as frogs, snakes, small quadrupeds, and birds--the latter not so very small either: since it has been known to bolt a whole fowl at a single "swallow." Even a cat or a hare can be accommodated with a passage down its capacious gullet; but it will not attempt to kill either one or the other: since, notwithstanding its gigantic size, it is one of the veriest cowards in creation.

A child, with a bit of a switch, can at any time chase the adjutant away; and an enraged hen will put it to flight whenever it strays into the neighbourhood of her young brood.

It does not retreat, without first making a show of defiance--by placing itself in a threatening attitude--with reddened throat, and beak wide agape, from which latter proceeds a loud roaring, like that of a bear or tiger.

All this, however, is mere braggadocio; for, on the enemy continuing the attack, it immediately cools down, and betakes itself to ignominious flight.
Such are a few peculiarities of the gigantic stork, known as the _adjutant_ or _argala_.