North American Birds Ec;gs. 



91 



[185.] Scarlet Ibis. Guara rubra. 





■^■,*A"l 



Ran^Uf. — Occasionally, hut not recent- 

 ly met with in the southern states. 

 Their hahitat is in tropical America, they 

 beinsj especially ahundant along the 

 Orinoco River in northern South 

 America. 



Full plumas^ed adults of this species 

 are wholly hriijht scarlet, except for the 

 primaries, whichare black. Their nests 

 are built in impenetrable thickets, 

 rushes or mangroves, the nests beintj 

 constructed like those of the White 

 Il)is. The eggs, too, are very similar to 

 those of the preceding species, but both 

 the ground color and the markings 

 average brighter. While still common 



in some localities, tlie species is gradually becoming less 

 because of the demand for their feathers for use in tiy-tying. 



I Pale greenish blue,] 



abundant, chietiv 



186. Glossy Ibis. PlegarJis aiititmitalis<. 



Range. — This tropical and sul)-tropical species, is chiefly found in the Old 

 World. It is occasionally found in southeastern United States where it some- 

 times breeds. Its habits, nesting habits and eggs are just the same as the next 

 species. 



187. White-faced Glossy Ibis. PIrgadis giianniiui. 



Range.— A sub-tropical species found in the southwestern parts of the Ignited 

 States, rarely found east of the Mississippi. 



This species differs from the Glossy 

 Ibis in having the feathers on the front 

 of the head white, the rest of the plumage 

 is a dull brownish chestnut, with greenish 

 reflections on the back. As these l)irds 

 are not in demand commercially, their 

 numbers have not decreased, and thous- 

 ands of them lireed in colonies in southern 

 Texas. They l)uild a substantial nest of 

 reeds and rushes woven about the upright 

 canes, close to the surface of the water. 

 Their eggs are laid during May, and num- 

 ber from three to four. They are easily 

 distinguished from those of the Herons, 

 being of a deeper greenish blue color and 

 averaging more elongate. Size 1.95x1.85. 

 Data.— Corpus Christi, Texas, May 26, 1899. Four eggs. Nest of twigs and 

 rushes in growing rushes on side of river. Collector, Ft B. Armstrong. 



IGreenish blue.) 



