ADJUTANT BIRD, the name given to large storks of the genus Leptoptilus, distinguished by their dull plumage, black scab rous head and enormous pouch, of doubtful function, connected with the respiratory system. The largest is L. dubius of India. It feeds on offal, frogs and fish, and is a most efficient scavenger, for which reason it is usually protected. Other species are L. javani cus of south-east Asia and L. crumenifer, the marabou stork of Africa ; the "marabout" feathers of commerce were originally the under-tail coverts of this bird, but the name is now applied to a large number of kinds of downy feathers.