SHEATH-BILLS. 



311 



The White Sheath-bill {Chionis alba), a native of Australia, New Zea- 

 land, and the neighbouring islands. 



This bird is almost exclusively found upon sea-coasts, deriving its substance 

 from the moUusks, smMl crustaceans, be-stranded fish, and other similar sub- 

 stances, cast upon the beach. Perhaps, under some circumstances, it may- 

 subsist on carrion, and thereby give an evil flavour to its flesh, as there are 

 very contradictory reports as to its value for the table, some specimens having 

 been of so vile an odour that even the sailors, with their proverbial appetite 

 for fresh meat, could not touch the ill-savoured dish, while in other cases the 



Fig. 158.— The White Sheath-bill {Chionis alba). 



bird is reported to be of e.xcellent quality, and equal to duck in tenderness and 

 flavour. The legs of the sheath-bill are rather long in proportion to its body, 

 and as it always frequents the sea-side, running in and out of the water in 

 search of its food, and possesses many of the habits of the waders, it has been 

 classed by some naturalists with those birds. The white sheath-bill is a pretty 

 bird. Its whole plumage being pure white, and its legs reddish black. The 

 general name Chionis is derived from a Greek word* signifying "snow," and 

 is given in allusion to its snow-white plumage. In size it resembles a pigeon, 

 but is more massively built : its flight is heavy and its manners wild and 

 defiant. Until recently but a single species had been discovered, but Dr. 

 Hartlaub has lately described a second under the name of the Lesser Sheath- 

 bill {Chioms minor). 



Xiw", chion, iuo^o. 



