ROSEATE SPOONBILL. 197 
nor does that part curve in the same abrupt manner ; and the sternum 
is in all essential respects similar to that of the Curlews, Tringas, and 
other birds of that family, it having a very prominent crest, with two 
In fact, the sternum of Tringa 
deep posterior notches on each side. 
Cinclus is almost an exact miniature of it. 
Sa J) 
The compact form of the body, its great muscularity, the form of 
the legs, the length and slenderness of the neck, the form and bareness 
of the head, and the elongation of the bill, especially when it is lateral- 
ly viewed, all indicate an affinity to the Tantali and Numenii. But 
the Spoonbills are also allied in various degrees to the Herons and Pe- 
licanine ; so that they clearly present one of those remarkable centres 
of radiation, demonstrative of the absurdity of quinary and circular ar- 
rangements, founded merely on a comparison of skins. 
