BIRDS. 
179 
THE SPOONBILL. 
228. The Spoonbill of Europe is white ; but the 
American Spoonbill is of a beautiful reddish colour. 
Its name is derived from its bill, which is six inches 
or more in length, and of the shape of a spoon. 
229. The chief food of these birds is fish, which 
they often take from other birds in the manner of 
the bald eagle. They also destroy frogs and snakes 
in great numbers. 
280. For this purpose their bills are admirably 
adapted, being so large at the ends that these rep- 
tiles cannot escape. They are much prized at the 
cape of Good Hope on this account. 
What does the Spoonbill derive its name from 1 What does it 
feed upon 1 How is it adapted for feeding on frogs and snakes ? 
