392 



GALLIN.K. 



Chionidin,^. 



SUB-FA JULY II. 



The Sheath-hills proper. 



Gex. Chakac. — Bill short, strong, compressed, with the sides and basal hal 

 coated by a horny covering which conceals the nostrils. 



Fig. 158. — the white sheath-bill. 

 {Chionis alba.) 



These singular birds are found on tlie islands of 

 tlie Antarctic Ocean, and at tlie soutliern extremity 

 of South America. Their flight resembles that of 

 pigeons. They frequent the shores, searching for 

 their food, which consists of shell-fish, chiefly 

 Limpets, seaweeds, and the remains of animals cast 

 up by the sea, usually mixed up with a few small 

 stones. These birds have been observed by southern 

 voyagers in the open ocean at a great distance from 

 land, where they are supposed to rest and feed on 



