PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 407 



81. Mycteria americana Linn. 



[ Juv. (Ko. 87485, La Palma, Costa Eica, April 21, 1883 ; C. C. Nut- 

 tmf?) : Pileum and occiput clothed with dusky black hair-like feath- 

 ers, these longest on the occiput, where they form somewhat of a bushy 

 crest; feathered portion of lower neck light brownish gray; rump, 

 upper tail-coverts, and tail white; rest of upper part soft brownish 

 gray, irregularly mixed with pure white feathers (of the adult livery !), 

 tliese most numerous among the lesser wing-coverts and anterior scap- 

 ulars ; primaries white, tinged with gray at ends. Lower parts entirely 

 white. Bill, all the naked portion of head and neck (except lower por- 

 tion of the latter), legs, and feet black ; " collar round lower neck bright 

 scarlet; iris brown." Wing 24.50, tail 9.50, culmen 9.75, tarsus 11.25, 

 middle toe 4.50.— R. E.] 



Common. The natives have a name for this Stork which is extremely 

 well chosen. It is '■'■ Galan sin ventura,''^ or, literally, "Shabby Gen- 

 teel." The fitness of this name can be appreciated only by one who has 

 seen him in his native lagoon. The contrast between the gay red collar, 

 stately bearing, and dignified movements and the general shabbiness of 

 his dirty white coat and scaly legs is extremely ridiculous, and causes a 

 realization of the appropriateness of its name. 



The chief occupation of this bird is fishing, of course, although frogs 

 and reptiles are by no means slighted. 



One specimen. 



— juv. (Label lost.) 



82. Tantalus loculator Linu. 



Abundant. The habits of this bird are so well known as to require 

 no comment. Iris brown. 

 One specimen. 

 No. 155. — juv. April 1. 



83. Eudocimus albus (Liuu.). 



Common. This Ibis is commonly seen in flocks, and seems less shy 

 than the other water birds of the region. Iris blue; bill red; legs 

 pale. 



Two specimens. 



No. 159. $ juv. tr. April 21. 



No. 232. 5 ad. April 21. 



84. Ajaja rosea Eeich. 



This beautiful bird is quite common at the "Zapotal." It seems to 

 prefer the small muddy branches of the lagoon to the main body, and 

 delights in dabbling in the muddy water with its curious spoon-shaped 

 bill, which it manages as the ducks do theirs. Iris red. Bill pinkish. 



Two specimens. 



No. 221. S juv. April 19. 



No. — , — ad. (Label lost.) 



