THE WORLD'S BIRDS. 67 



Ibises and Spoonbills {Ibididcv). 



Diagnosis. — Rather large waders, with long hills, curved 

 throughout or expanded at the tip ; all front toes 

 webbed at the base, and well-developed hind-toe. 



Size __From that of a crow to that of a goose. 



Form. — Bill long, curved downwards and narrow 

 throughout in Ibises, curved only at the tip and 

 broadened and flattened there in Spoonbills ; jeet 

 with long shanks, hind- toe well developed and 

 resting on the ground, all front toes webbed at base. 

 Wings large, rounded at tip ; tail short. Head 

 small, neck long. 



Plumage, etc. — Colouration in masses, usually black, 

 richly glossed, or white ; sexes ahke, but fledged 

 young different. Sometimes a seasonal change. 

 Face or head always showing some bare skin. 

 Skin of under side of wings often bright scarlet. 



Young.— Hatched downy and helpless, with short 

 beaks of ordinary form ; they thrust these into the 

 mouths of the parents when being fed. 



Nest.— A platform of sticks, etc., usually on trees, 

 sometimes on rocks, reeds, or ground. 



Eggs.— Several, spotted on a white ground, or plain 

 blue. 



Incubation. — About three weeks. 



Courtship.— Attended with much croaking and erection 

 of the expanded wings. 



Food. — Insects, crustaceans, small fish, and suchlike ; 

 they eat some little vegetable food also. 



Gait.— A walk ; they seldom run, but can swim 

 on occasion. They perch readily. 



Flight.— Strong ; performed by alternate flappings 

 and sailings, with the neck and legs outstretched. 



Note. — Harsh ; a croak, cackle, or scream. 



Disposition and Habits.— They are, generally speak- 

 ing, sociable and harmless birds, frequenting, 



5* 



