WHITE SHEATH-BILL . — Chionis alba. 
Another curious group of birds is known by the title of Sheath-bills, on 
account of the remarkable sheath of horny substance, which is situated on the 
base of the bill, and under which lie the nostrils. 
One of the commonest species of this group is the White Sheath-bill, a 
native of Australia, New Zealand, and neighbouring islands. 
This bird is seen upon the coasts, finding its food among the molluscs, small 
crustacese, fish, and other similar substances. Perhaps, under some circum- 
stances, it may subsist on carrion, and thereby give an evil flavour to its flesh, as 
there are very contradictory reports as to its value for the table, some specimens 
having been of so vile an odour that even the sailors could not touch the 
ill-savoured flesh, while, in other cases, the bird is reported to be of excellent 
quality, and equal to duck in tenderness and flavour. 
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