343 Synopsis of the Birds 



short, convex, curved, acute. Wings moderate, ample ; first 

 primary a little shorter than the second, second longest, 

 Tail of twelve feathers. 



Female scarcely differing from the male. Young very dif- 

 ferent from the adult, and changing repeatedly for several 

 years, the bill also developed by degrees. Moult simple, 

 annual. Colors in large masses. 



Noisy. Live in small flocks in woody marshes, principal- 

 ly near the mouths of rivers. Alight on trees. Wade slowly 

 deep into the water, but never beyond their depth. Flight 

 easy, slow, elevated. Feed on small fishes, reptiles, spawn, 

 mollusca, and vegetables, probing the mud with their sensi- 

 ble bill : produce a clattering noise by striking their power- 

 less mandibles rapidly together, thus frightening other birds 

 out of their prey. Build generally on trees near the sea side, 

 or on bushes, &c. Eggs from 2 to 4. Female only incu- 

 bates, but is fed by the male, who shares the parental duties. 

 Young fed by the parents, remaining in the nest until full- 

 fledged. 



Spread throughout warm and temperate climates. Formed 

 of four species, one in Europe, one in America. Allied in 

 form and habits, to the Family Herodii, where, according to 

 nature, it should be placed. 



281. Platalea ajaja, L. Whole head bald. 



Adult, red. Middle aged, rose color. Young, white 

 Chick, blackish-chesnut. 



Roseate Spoonbill, Platalea ajaja, Wils. Am. Orn. vii. 

 p. 123. pi. 63. jig* l. middle age. 



Inhabits during summer only, the most southern states : 

 rare : common throughout tropical America. 



