Herodiones 



143 



with its bill immersed in the water. The flight is 

 sufficiently strong, without any peculiar character- 

 istics. 



Spoonbill and Ibises 



ORDER VIII. ANSBRBS 



The Geese, Swans and Ducks are all classified in one 

 Family, Anatidce, and shew a great general similarity, 

 though Swans differ in their much elongated necks. 

 The bill is broad and generally flattened, though more 

 conical in Geese, and comparatively long and thin with 

 hooked tip in the Merganser Ducks ; it is covered with 

 soft sensitive skin and ends in a horny piece called the 



