GHOSSY isis 45 
1818, when Thompson states that Ibises were killed in 
Wexford, while as recently as October, 1902, others were 
procured from cos. Clare and Wexford (EH. Williams, ‘ Irish 
Naturalist,’ 19038, p. 112). Prior to these occurrences, no 
Glossy Ibis was recorded from Ireland since those men- 
tioned by Sir R. Payne-Gallwey in ‘The Fowler in Ireland,’ 
published in 1882. 
The following are the counties where specimens have 
been taken:—Clare, Kerry, Cork, Waterford, Wexford, 
Dublin, King’s County, Westmeath, Longford, Antrim. 
The Ibis, though shaped lke the Curlew and possessing 
a long, slender, decurved beak, has no affinities with that 
bird, being really related to the Storks and Spoonbills. 
Flight.—On the wing the Glossy Ibis is strong, and as it 
flies, ‘‘the pinions are first moved rapidly, and produce a 
whizzing sound, after which the bird skims for some 
distance’ (Saunders). 
Food.—When sojourning in our Isles, this species feeds 
on such small creatures as are found about sandy shores 
and muddy esturine flats, e.g., sand-eels, crabs, shrimps, 
worms, etc.: In warmer countries locusts and other insects, 
also scorpions, are eaten. 
Nest.—In the breeding-season the Glossy Ibis is gre- 
garious. The nest, made of twigs and reeds, is built in 
trees and low bushes, and generally near marshes and water. 
The eggs, three to four, are dark greenish-blue, and the 
shell is shghtly pitted. 
Geographical distribution.—The breeding-range of the 
Glossy Ibis in Europe extends from Spain to the Caspian 
Sea, and its most northern colonies are in Slavonia. It 
is found over a large area of Asia, breeding as far south 
as Ceylon. It also nests in North Africa, migrating to 
Natal. On the northern migration few birds proceed north 
of the Alpine ranges, though stragglers have been obtained 
from the Faroes, Iceland, Scandinavia, Denmark, Norway 
and Sweden. In winter this species roams to Australia and 
South Africa. 
DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERS. 
PLUMAGE. Adult male nuptial.—Head, neck, breast 
and abdomen, dark reddish-brown; back, wings, and tail, 
brownish-black with a lustre of green and purple. 
