454 



GRALLATORES. 



SUB-FAMILY V. 



Tantalix.e. 



The Ibises. 



Gen. Charac. — Bill lengthened, more or less slender, and curved throughout 

 its whole length, the sides gradually compressed to the tip, which is obtuse ; 

 the nostrils lateral, and sometimes placed in a lengthened groove, with the 

 opening always linear and exposed ; the wings rather long ; the tail moderate 

 and even ; the tarsi of various lengths, usually robust, and covered in front 

 with transverse or hexagonal scales ; the toes long, the inner toe shorter than 

 the outer, both more or less united at the base, the hind toe long and usuallj' 

 strong. 



■ - Ah 



Fig. 181. — the Egyptian ibis. 



( Gerciiticus ^th iopicus. ) 



Tliese birds are met witli in tlie warmer parts of 

 Asia, Africa, and America. They are to be seen in 

 small and large flocks on tlie banks of rivers, lakes, 

 or swampy places, or on land tliat lias been recently 

 overflowed, wading knee-deep in search of their 

 food, which consists of frogs, water-lizards, various 



