SPOONBILL 49 



Waterford on November 5th, 1891, appears to be the latest 

 capture (Ussher). The remaining counties from which 

 examples have been obtained are : Clare, Kerry, Cork, 

 Wexford, Wicklow, Dublin, Mayo. It will be seen that 

 hitherto the Spoonbill has been taken only in maritime 

 counties. 



In its general habits it may be said that the Spoonbill is 

 sociable and amicably disposed to other species. Several 

 may be seen feeding on the sea-shore in company with gulls 

 and small waders, and I can state from personal observation 

 that the Spoonbill will live peacefully in captivity, with 

 smaller birds. It is easily tamed, and makes a curious and 

 quaint-looking pet. In a state of nature it is not usually a 

 wary bird, though Watters mentions that a flock, observed 

 many years ago on the marshes of the co. Wexford, 

 " exhibited such wariness as not to admit of sufficient 

 approach to obtain one " (' Birds of Ireland,' p. 140). 



Flight. The flight of the Spoonbill is somewhat heavy, 

 and the beats of the wing regular. Wben flying, the legs of 

 this species are fully extended and the neck slightly inclined 

 upwards. 



Voice. Like the Stork, the Spoonbill is generally sup- 

 posed to be voiceless, but Mr. E. B. Lodge has heard it 

 utter a few low notes when flying round its nest (Saunders), 

 and Mr. J. H. Gurney has noted that in confinement a pair 

 began a feeble duet on a warm day, all the while moving 

 their necks up and down (' Zoologist,' 1900, p. 104-5). 



Food. Along the sea-shore the Spoonbill feeds on shell- 

 fish, crabs, shrimps, and small fish ; while inland it eats 

 frogs, worms, and insects. 



Nest. This species breeds in colonies both in trees and 

 on the ground. In the latter situation the nest may be a 

 heaped-up mass of reeds surrounded by water. In all cases 

 it is a bulky structure. The eggs, four to six in number, 

 have a rough shell which is dull white streaked and spotted 

 with dark reddish-brown. 



In days gone by, when the Spoonbill nested in England, 

 it was known as the Popeler, also the Shovelard or Shovelar. 

 Norfolk appears to be the oldest breeding-county on record, 

 Spoonbills having nested there in the twelfth century. The 

 eggs, like those of the Heron and other birds, were protected 

 by law, and a heavy penalty was imposed on any one who 

 was convicted of stealing them. 



Professor Newton in his 'Dictionary of Birds,' p. 900, 



4 



