DESCRIPTIONS OF OUR NATIVE BIRDS. 25 



ROYAL SPOONBILL. 

 (Platalea regia.) 



OTHER SPECIES i „ .. ,m . i ^ • \ /^ u 



[ lELLOW-LEGGED Spooxbill {Platalefi flnvipps) — (jould. 



SOUTH AUSTRALIA, j {PlafihU favifcs). 



Size. — The size of thi.s bird i.s about that of a crane, and when standing erect 

 would be from about 20in. to 2ft. high. 



Bill. — Its bill, which is long, black, and spoonshaped at the end. is the most 

 striking feature, and renders the bird easily recognisable. 



Legs. — Its legs are long and black, and well suited to a bird of wading habits. 



Plumage. — The plumage is all white. At the back of the head is a crest of fine white 

 feathers, that can be erected and spread out in all directions at vrill. 



Habitat. — The habitat of this lovely bird is along the nuirgins of lagoons, rivers, 

 and in swamps. 



FooD.^lts food consists chiefly of frogs, tadpoles, fish, and aquatic insects. 



Ne.st. — The spoonbill builds its flat nest by breaking down the reeds that grow 

 along the margin of freshwater areas. Sometimes a few twigs are placed 

 upon this platform of reeds. The nesting season lasts from October 

 until January. • 



Egg.s. — The eggs, which number three to five, measure about 2iin. x Hin. They 

 ^re colored dull white and splashed with reddish brown near the broad 

 end. 



