SPOONBILL, a wading-bird of the fam ,ily Plataleidce, closely related to the ibises, from which the group differs principally in its straight grooved bill, which is quaintly flattened and expanded at the end. The dime genera, Platalea, Ajaja and Platibis, comprise about eight species found in all warm countries. The only American species is the roseate spoonbill (Ajaja ajaja). At present it is found through out South America and northward into the South Atlantic and Gulf States, but fOrmerly ranged to Virginia and Illinois. The general form is heron-like but stouter; the length some what less than three feet, the wing expanse about four and one-half feet; the color is white tinted with rose, which becomes quite deep on the under parts, with rusty yellow patches on the tail and sides. The head is bald and varie gated with black, green, yellow and orange colors; the bill similarly colored with the addi tion of blue; the legs and iris red. Young birds lack the rosy tints and have the head fully feathered. This singular and brilliant bird lives gregariously in wooded swamps, and is still abundant in parts of South America and the more inaccessible parts of Florida, but has been exterminated in many places where it was formerly plentiful. They wade in the water and
sweep their bills sideways through the mud in search of fishes, frogs, crustaceans, mollusks, insects and worms, upon which they feed. They are strong but heavy in flight and are able to swim somewhat. Besides their harsh cry they produce a clattering noise by snapping the bill like storks. Nesting takes place in colonies, the nest being constructed of twigs in trees and bushes. The three white, rough, ellipti cal eggs, more than two and one-half inches in length, are laid in April. The European spoon bill (Platalea leucorodia) is widely distinguished throughout southern Eurasia, but formerly bred in England. Except that the head is crested and the color chiefly white it closely resembles our species in appearance and habits.
The name spoonbill is also given to a duck (see SHOVELER), and to a sandpiper (q.v.).