SPOON BILL 49 
Waterford on November 5th, 1891, appears to be the latest 
capture (Ussher). The remaining counties from which 
examples have been obtained are:—Clare, Kerry, Cork, 
Wexford, Wicklow, Dublin, Mayo. It will be seen that 
hitherto the Spoonbill has been taken only in maritime 
counties. 
In its general habits it may be said that the Spoonbill is 
sociable and amicably disposed to other species. Several 
may be seen feeding on the sea-shore in company with gulls 
and small waders, and I can state from personal observation 
that the Spoonbill will live peacefully in captivity, with 
smaller birds. It is easily tamed, and makes a curious and 
quaint-looking pet. Ina state of nature it is not usually a 
wary bird, though Watters mentions that a flock, observed 
many years ago on the marshes of the co. Wexford, 
“exhibited such wariness as not to admit of sufficient 
approach to obtain one”’ (‘ Birds of Ireland,’ p. 140). 
Flight.—The flight of the Spoonbill is somewhat heavy, 
and the beats of the wing regular. When flying, the legs of 
this species are fully extended and the neck slightly inclined 
upwards. 
Voice.—Like the Stork, the Spoonbill is generally sup- 
posed to be voiceless, but Mr. R. B. Lodge has heard it 
utter a few low notes when flying round its nest (Saunders), 
and Mr. J. H. Gurney has noted that in confinement a pair 
began a feeble duet on a warm day, all the while moving 
their necks up and down (‘ Zoologist,’ 1900, p. 104-5). 
Food.—Along the sea-shore the Spoonbill feeds on shell- 
fish, crabs, shrimps, and small fish; while inland it eats 
frogs, worms, and insects. 
Nest.—This species breeds in colonies both in trees and 
on the ground. In the latter situation the nest may be a 
heaped-up mass of reeds surrounded by water. In all cases 
it is a bulky structure. The eggs, four to six in number, 
have a rough shell which is dull white streaked and spotted 
with dark reddish-brown. 
In days gone by, when the Spoonbill nested in England, 
it was known as the Popeler, also the Shovelard or Shovelar. 
Norfolk appears to be the oldest breeding-county on record, 
Spoonbills having nested there in the twelfth century. The 
eggs, like those of the Heron and other birds, were protected 
by law, and a heavy penalty was imposed on any one who 
was convicted of stealing them. 
Professor Newton in his ‘ Dictionary of Birds,’ p. 900, 
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