115* BIRDS OF ILLINOIS. 



This remarkable bird is an irregular summer visitor to Illi- 

 nois, particularly the more southern counties, where it occurs, 

 usually in small flocks, about the secluded, forest-hemmed ponds 

 and sloughs. It probably breeds in the extreme southern portion, 

 though oftenest seen during the latter part of summer, when 

 small companies, composed chiefly of young birds, straggle 

 northward. As described by Bartram, it may often be seen stand- 

 ing listless and alone on the topmost limb of some tall dead 

 cypress, its neck drawn in upon its shoulders, and its enormous 

 bill resting, like a scythe, upon its breast. The writer has fre- 

 quently seen it soaring majestically in broad circles over the 

 Wabash River, at Mt. Carmel, its large size and pure white color 

 rendering it at such times very conspicuous. 



Audubon describes its flight as heavy on rising from the 

 ground: its neck is then deeply curved downward, its wings flap 

 heavily, and its legs are not stretched out behind until it has 

 proceeded several yards. It then ascends with great celerity, 

 generally in a spiral direction, in silence unless alarmed; if 

 frightened, it utters a rough guttural croaking note. It pro- 

 ceeds in a direct flight, with alternate flapping and sailing, the 

 latter being more prolonged. It alights on trees with more ease 

 than the heron, and either stands erect, or crouches on the 

 branch in the manner of a wild turkey. When at rest it places 

 its bill against its breast, while the neck seems to shrink be- 

 tween the shoulders. In this position one may sometimes see 

 fifty on the same tree. In the spring months it collects in large 

 flocks before returning to its breeding-place. When a breeding- 

 place has been once chosen, it is resorted to for many years in 

 succession, and the birds are with difficulty made to abandon 

 it. The Wood Ibis feeds largely on fishes, but also devours frogs, 

 young alligators, wood-rats, various kinds of young birds, crabs, 

 snakes, turtles, and the like. It is very tenacious of life, and if 

 wounded resists vigorously, and is dangerous to approach. It 

 is very tough and oily, and unfit for food. 



