320 
LONG-BILLED CURLEW. 
The White Ibis is twenty- three inches long, and thirty-seven inches 
m extent ; bill formed exactly like that of the scarlet species, of a pale 
red, blackish towards the point ; face a reddish flesh color and finely 
wrinkled ; hides whitish ; whole plumage pure white, except about 
four inches of the tips of the four outer quill feathers, which are of a 
deep and glossy steel blue ; legs and feet pale red, webbed to the first 
joint, 
These birds I frequently observed standing on the dead limbs of trees, 
and on the shore, resting on one leg, their body in an almost perpen- 
dicular position, as represented in the figure, the head and bill resting 
on the breast. This appears to be its most common mode of resting, 
and perhaps sleeping, as in all those which I examined the plumage on 
the upper ridge of the neck and upper part of the back, was evidently 
worn by this habit. The same is equally observable on the neck and 
back of the Wood Ibis. 
The present species rarely extends its visits north of Carolina, and 
even in that state is only seen for a few weeks towards the end of 
summer. In Florida they are common ; but seldom remove to any 
great distance from the sea. 
Genus LXXI. NUMENIUS. CURLEW. 
Species I. N. LONGIROSTRIS. 
LONG-BILLED CURLEW. 
[Plate LXIV. Fig. 4.] 
This American species has been considered by the naturalists of 
Europe to be a mere variety of their own, notwithstanding its difference 
of color, and superior length of bill. These differences not being acci- 
dental, or found in a few individuals, but common to all, and none 
being found in America corresponding with that of Europe, Ave do not 
hesitate to consider the present as a distinct species, peculiar to this 
country. 
Like the preceding, this bird is an inhabitant of marshes in the vicinity 
of the sea. It is also found in the interior ; where, from its long bill 
and loud whistling note, it is generally known. 
The Curlews appear in the salt marshes of New Jersey about the 
middle of May, on their way to the north ; and in September, on their 
return from their breeding places. Their food consists chiefly of small 
crabs, which they are very dexterous at probing for, and pulling out of 
