214. _Plegadis falcinellus_: The Glossy Ibis. (F. 1544), (J. 943), (+V.)
In this species only the front of the face is devoid of feathers. A chestnut bird with head, wings, and tail dark brown with a green gloss.
215. _Platalea leucorodia_: The Spoonbill. (F. 1545), (J. 939), (+V.)
A large white bird with a crest in the breeding season. The long bill, which is flat and expanded at the end like a spoon, is black, as are the long legs. It is impossible to mistake spoonbills. There are no other birds like them. They are found in small flocks on sandbanks, etc., at the water's edge.
Every one is familiar with the appearance of the common stork. The leading features of the stork family are their large size, their long legs, neck, and bill, and their perching habits. In this last respect they differ from cranes, which never perch in trees. During flight their long necks are stretched out forwards, and their long legs stretched out backwards. They fly by a slow, steady flapping of the wings, but often sail on outstretched wings like vultures. Their nests are in India, huge platforms of sticks built in trees.
216. _Ciconia alba_: The White Stork. (F. 1546), (J. 919), (+V; 3-1/2 feet long.)
A white bird with some black in the wings. Bill and legs bright red.
217. _Dissura episcopus_: The White-necked Stork, or the Beefsteak Bird. (F. 1548), (J. 920), (+V; 3 feet long.)
A black bird, except for the neck and lower abdomen and feathers under the tail, which are white. Bill black; legs dull red.
218. _Xenorhynchus asiaticus_: The Black-necked Stork. Sportsmen call this bird the Australian Stork. (F. 1549), (J. 917), (+V; 4-1/2 feet long.)
Beak, head, neck, and shoulders black; wings black and white. Rest of plumage white; legs bright red.
219. _Leptopilus dubius_: The Adjutant. (F. 1550), (J. 915), (+V; 5 feet long.)
This huge bird is characterised by an enormous beak, over a foot in length, and a head devoid of feathers. From its neck hangs a pouch. There is a ruff of white feathers round the neck. The lower parts are white. The wings are partly dark slaty grey and partly French grey. The bill is dirty pink, and the legs dirty greyish white.
Not found in S. India. (Illus. B. P., pp. 28 and 34; also I. F., p. 232.)