Ibis-bill

Of somewhat doubtful affinity though apparently related to the Stilts, is the peculiar monotypic Ibis-bill (Ibidorhynchus struthersi) of central Asia, an Ibis-like bird about sixteen inches long, with a hard, long, slender bill much curved downward just beyond the middle. In color it is ashy or brownish gray above and white below, with the front of the head all around blackish brown and the breast marked off by a white-margined black gorget. It is confined in summer to the higher elevations of the Himalayas, sometimes reaching an altitude of 12,000 feet, but coming down in winter nearly to the level of the plains. It frequents the beds of mountain streams, and is usually observed singly or in small, perhaps family, parties of five or six individuals.