PLATALEA LEUCOEODIA. 1099 



were reposing on a lining of small twigs; they were broad ovals, pointed at one end, coarse in texture, dull 

 white, with a few light rusty-brown or sepia-smeared blotches near the larger end. The dimensions of two 

 specimens are 2*5 by T85 and 2 - 45 by l - 8 inch. 



In India, according to Mr. Hume, it often breeds in very large colonies together with nearly-related 

 species, notably " Shell-eaters," nesting on tamarind- and peepul-trees frequently in villages. He describes 

 the nests as large platforms of sticks from 2 to 3 feet in diameter. In most, the number of eggs does not 

 exceed four, although a few contain five. The markings consist more or less of smudgy and Ul-defined blotches 

 and spots, with here and there a hazy spot, streak, or cloud intermingled ; in some eggs they are clear bright 

 brown, reddish brown, and even almost black, while in others they are yellowish brown or pale sepia. The 

 eggs vary from 2 - 4 to 2'95 inches in length, and from 1'68 to 1"95 in breadth. 



This species occasionally nests on reeds when there are no trees in the localities in which it has taken up its 

 quarters. The nests in this case are constructed of "reeds bound together by weeds, which are piled up a few 

 inches above the water's edge ; over this dry reeds are placed in various directions to form the body of the 

 nest." Nests of this description were found at Erzeroum by Messrs. Dickson and Ross, and described in the 

 Proc. Zool. Soc. 1839. 



Genus TANTALTJS. 



Bill very large, wide at the base, and much compressed to the tip, which is curved and 

 cylindrical in both mandibles ; under mandible somewhat inflated at the sides near the gape ; 

 nostrils basal, horizontal, placed near the culmen. Wings large, pointed, the 3rd and 4th quills 

 the longest, the 1st considerably shorter than the 2nd. Tail short. Legs lengthened, much of 

 the tibia bare ; tarsus reticulate. Toes long, web joining the anterior ones well developed ; nails 

 very short. 



Of large size. Head nude in the adult ; under tail-coverts lengthened. 



7B 



