The Spoonbill 



THE Spoonbill measures about two feet 

 eight inches in length, when full grown. 

 Its plumage is white all over, except on the 

 crown of the head and part of the neck, 

 w^here a buffish tinge is observable. At the 

 back of the head the feathers are consider- 

 ably lengthened and form a magnificent 

 crest. In olden times this beautiful bird used 

 to breed in Norfolk and Suffolk, and even 

 as close to London as Fulham. It was 

 banished, however, by the drainage of many 

 of its favourite marshes, and, it is to be 

 feared, the too free use of guns. Small 

 flocks still visit the Norfolk coast during the 

 spring and summer, and form an interesting 

 sight on Breydon Broad, close to Great Yar- 

 mouth. Here they evidently appreciate the 

 watchfulness of the seagulls, for they like to 

 take a nap or feed in the society of these 

 wary birds. 



The Spoonbill is fond of frequenting 



6t 



