or BIRDS. 
179 
SPOON BILL. 
,.J he Spoon Bill is one of those birds that 
differ widely from the crane, yet approaches 
tins class more than any other. The body 
is more bulky for its height, and the bill is 
very differently formed from that of any 
other bird whatever, it feeds among waters: 
its toes are divided, and it seems to possess 
the natural dispositions of the crane. The 
common colour of those of Europe, is a dirty 
white; but those of America are of a beauti- 
ful rose-colour. The bill, which in this bird 
IS so very particular, is about seven inches 
ong, and running out broad at the end, as 
ns name denotes, it is there about an inch 
mm a half wide. 
