196 SPOONBILLS AND IBISES. 



series of more mellow, yodeling cries. Now 

 not very common in eastern U. S. 



146. EUROPEAN OYSTER-CATCHER. 



Differs from last in being smaller, 16, 

 and the white of the upper tail coverts ex- 

 tended on to the lower-back. Europe, oc- 

 casional in Greenland. 



SPOONBILLS AND IBISES. 



Large birds with long necks, bills and 

 legs; wings, broad; tails, short. Aquatic, 

 frequenting mud-flats and muddy shores of 

 both salt and fresh water. Food, small 

 crustaceans and fishes. Flight, direct and 

 rapid with quick wing-beats, the neck is 

 extended and the feet held straight out be- 

 hind. Nests, placed in trees, composed of 

 sticks. Social, often gathering in large 

 flocks. Sexes, similar. 



147. ROSEATE SPOONBILL. 

 Large, 30; bill, flattened and spoon- 

 shaped. Rose pink, patch of crimson on 

 lower neck in front, on wing, on upper and 



