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GLOSSARY
Crested ibis (toki)
This exceptionally rare bird is protected as a special natural monument.Though common during the Edo period, only nine birds were recorded in March, 1970 - seven living on Sado Island, Niigata Prefecture and two in a sanctuary. The toki resembles a small egret in outline and size but, in the case of the toki, the beak curves downwards and the legs, face and tip of the bill are red. The back of the head and neck are covered with light pink feathers. The bird feeds on small fish and aquatic animals and nests in the branches of trees.