320 LONG-BILLED CURLEW. 



The Wliite Ibis is twenty-three inches long, and thirty-seven inches 

 in extent ; bill formed exactly like that of the scarlet species, of a pale 

 red, blackish towards the point ; face a reddish flesh color and finely 

 wrinkled ; irides whitish ; whole plumage pure white, except about 

 four inches of the tips of the four outer quill feathers, which are of a 

 deep and glossy steel blue; legs and feet pale red,Vebbed to the first 

 joint. 



These birds I frequently observed standing on the dead limbs of trees, 

 and on the shore, resting on one leg, their body in an almost perpen- 

 dicular position, as represented in the figure, the head and bill resting 

 on the breast. This appears to be its most common mode of resting, 

 and perhaps sleeping, as in all those which I examined the plumage on 

 the upper ridge of the neck and upper part of the back, was evidently 

 worn by this habit. The same is equally observable on the neck and 

 back of the Wood Ibis. 



The present species rarely extends its visits north of Carolina, and 

 even in that state is only seen for a few weeks towards the end of 

 summer. In Florida they are common ; but seldom remove to any 

 great distance from the sea. 



Genus LXXI. NUMENIUS. CURLEW. 

 Species L N. LONGIROSTRTS. 



LONG-BILLED CURLEW. 



[Plate LXIV. Fig. 4.] 



Tins American species has been considered by the naturalists of 

 Europe to be a mere variety of their own, notwithstanding its difference 

 of 'color, and superior length of bill. These differences not being acci- 

 dental, or found in a few individuals, but common to all, and none 

 being found in America corresponding with that of Europe, we do not 

 hesitate to consider the present as a distinct species, peculiar to this 

 country. 



Like the preceding, this bird is an inhabitant of marshes in the vicinity 

 of the sea. It is also found in the interior ; where, from its long bill 

 and loud whistling note, it is generally known. 



The Curlews appear in the salt marshes of New Jersey about the 

 middle of May, on their way to the north ; and in September, on their 

 return from their breeding places. Their food consists chiefly of small 

 crabs, which they are very dexterous at probing for, and pulling out of 



