Indian Birds 
covered with little red warts. The plumage is 
glossy black, save for a small white patch on 
the wing. The bill, which is nearly six inches 
long, is dull dark green. Legs bright red. 
214. Plegadis falcinellus: The Glossy Ibis. 
(F. 1544), J- 943), (+V-) 
In this species only the front of the face is 
devoid of feathers. A chestnut bird with 
head, wings, and tail dark brown with a green 
gloss. 
215. Platalea leucorodia: ‘The Spoonbill. 
(F. 1545), (JJ. 939), (+V-) 
A large white bird with a crest in the breed- 
ing season. The long bill, which is flat and 
expanded at the end like a spoon, is black, as 
are the long legs. It is impossible to mistake 
spoonbills. There are no other birds like them. 
They are found in small flocks on sandbanks, 
etc., at the water’s edge. 
The Storks, 216-221 
Every one is familiar with the appearance 
of the common stork. The leading features of 
the stork family are their large size, their long 
legs, neck, and bill, and their perching habits. 
In this last respect they differ from cranes, 
218 
