Thomas of Cantimpré [circa 1200-1272 CE] (Liber de natura rerum, Birds 5.82): The morplex bird is so called, because it 'braids [or weaves] in death' [morte plectat]. It is a swift bird, large as a kite, black as a blackbird, with large claws and a strong beak, plunging into the water like a diver, and this for the reason that it draws eels and large fish from the bottom of the waters and eats them. This bird builds its nest in the highest trees and feeds its young with a great abundance of fish. And when his chicks have been nourished to be strong enough to fly, then, as if by natural instinct, feeling the inconvenience of the weight, they vomit up the food they have devoured, lest, burdened with an excessive load of food, if they had to flee, they would not be able to fly and be caught by their adversaries. Those who have approved this as a natural remedy for their health have avoided dangers; those who did not at all perished. There is a certain kind of them, which is by nature very warm, so that they catch the air in the winter with outstretched wings, and their dung dries the green trees, in which they most often rest. - [Badke translation/paraphrase]