88 ALTRICIAL GRALLATORES — HERODIOXES. 



is continued anteriorly along the edge of the quills for an inch or less, in the form of an irregular 

 spattering or sprinkling. 



A nearly adult specimen (No. 70689, Demerara), retaining traces of inmiaturity in the plumage, 

 differs from the fully mature bird in the following particulars : The feathers of the anterior 

 portion of the throat project forward in a point about .65 of an inch in length, into the bare gular 

 skin, forming an acute angle, as in most specimens of E. alius. The plumage in general is con- 

 tinuous pure scarlet, but the head and neck are paler than in perfectly adult specimens, while 

 most of tlie feathers have a dusky brownish mesial streak. There are also a number of wholly 

 dark brown feathers interspersed over the lower part of the najie and anterior portion of the back. 

 The bill is very light-colored, having been in life apparently of a pale red or pink color. 



The Eed or Scarlet Ibis is of very doubtful occurrence witliiu the limits of the 

 United States. Wilson was misinformed in regard to its abundance in Carolina, Geor- 

 gia, and Florida. We are not aware that there is a single well-authenticated instance 

 on record of one having been taken within the limits of our territory. Audubon states 

 that in July, 1821, he saw a flock of three at Bayou Sara, in Louisiana. These were 

 flying in a line, in the manner of the AVhite Ibis, above the tops of the trees, and he 

 had no doubt of their identity. The habits of this species are probably not different 

 from those of the Ibis alba, but are not so well known. 



The Scarlet Ibis is said by Mr. Gosse to be a not uncommon visitant on the shores 

 of Jamaica, though he never met with it himself. He was informed by Mr. Hill that 

 it was quite common in the Avinter of 1S4G-7. Mr. March never met with it, and 

 regarded it as a rare visitant. It Avas more frequent at the western end of the island. 

 It is not mentioned by Gundlach as occurring in Cuba. It is, however, said by Leo- 

 taud to be very common on the Island of Trinidad, where it keeps principally about 

 the banks of rivers, and especially of those which run through swampy places. It is 

 always seen in flocks, and these are generally composed of individuals all of which 

 are about the same age. This bird is a resident of the island, but at times its num- 

 bers are largely augmented by the arrival of others from the continent. During 

 these flights this bird moves in single file, one following closely another ; and when 

 there is a large number, the line seems almost interminable. It feeds on worms, on 

 soft moUusks, and, at times, on small fishes. It rests at night in the branches of the 

 mangroves ; and its brilliant red color forms a striking contrast to the deep green of 

 the foliage. It is easily tamed, becomes reconciled to confinement, and is not only a 

 great ornament to a garden, but makes itself useful by the destruction of hosts of 

 noxious larvip. This bird will follow closely upon those who are turning up the 

 soil, in order that it may seize upon whatever of this kind is brought to view. 

 The flesh of the young bird is said to be excellent eating ; while the brilliant plumage 

 of the adult is much sought for, and a destructive warfare is kept up against it. Its 

 numbers are sensibly diminishing year by year ; and it will soon become very rare, if 

 not quite extinct. It was formerly known to nest in Trinidad ; but such occurrences 

 have now become quite exceptional. 



This bird was found abundant on the Orinoco by Mr. E. C. Taylor, and on the 

 Amazon by ]\lr. John E. Warren. Mr. Dresser was assured by friends living at 

 Matamoras that the Scarlet Ibis is found there, and at a lagoon near Brownville dur- 

 ing the winter. He had no opportunity of verifying the fact ; but as this bird is one 

 not easily confounded with any other, he had no doubt of its occurrence, and includes 

 it in his list. 



An egg of this species (S. I. No. 15504) obtained at Puerto Cabello by Mr. 0. F. 

 Starke, measures 2.10 inches in length by 1.45 in breadth. Its ground color is a grayish 

 wliite, thinlv marked over two thirds of its surface with small blotches of bistre. At 



