THE RED SPOONBILL. 13

rine insects, and small crabs. It can swim
and dive with great ease. The nests are
made in trees or bushes near the sea coast.
The eggs are about the size of those of
the hen, and spotted. The flesh of the
Spoonbill is said to resemble that of the
tame goose in taste, and the young are
esteemed as good food. The Spoonbill of
Europe has plumage of a white color, and
appears to reside in much cooler climates
than the American, being abundant in
Holland, and sometimes visiting the
southern shores of England. They are
birds of passage.