Ibis and Screamers 



Mangrove swamps, such as the one shown in this exhibit, are characteristic of most 

 tropical coastlands that are inundated periodically by tidal action. They often extend 

 over great areas and are remarkable both for the impenetrable nature of their vegeta- 

 tion and for the sparse bird fauna they shelter. A few species, nevertheless, do find 

 suitable conditions in mangrove sv^^amps, among them being various birds of remark- 

 able color and form. 



This scene at the edge of a mangrove swamp in northern Venezuela contains several 

 unusual tropical American birds that are commonly associated with this type of 

 habitat. The scarlet ibis is perhaps the most vividly colored bird known to science, the 

 red of its plumage being one of the most highly developed colors found in nature. This 

 ibis ranges over northern and eastern South America, where it is locally abundant in 

 tidal flats covered with mangrove forests. Wanderers are sometimes reported in the 

 West Indies. 



Words are inadequate for describing the scarlet ibis in its natural surroundings. 

 Various authors have likened it to "a jet of flame," "a beautiful red stain on the green 

 background," a "rose-colored cloud lighted by the morning sun," or as having a 

 "scarlet livery of dazzling beauty," etc. It is certain that the sight of these brilliantly 

 colored birds winging their way across a tropical background is an experience not soon 

 forgotten. 



Like most ibises, this species breeds in large colonies, which disband and forage in 

 small flocks at other seasons. Individuals range widely while feeding, but usually return 

 to definite roosting places each night. Their food consists principally of small fishes, 

 crustaceans, and even insects that are found on beaches and exposed mud flats. Flocks 

 of scarlet ibis often associate with herons, spoonbills, and various shore birds while 

 feeding, but even the most colorful of these appear drab by comparison. 



Two species of screamers, which belong to a small family of goose-like birds endemic 

 to South America, are shown mingling with the scarlet ibises. At the left are three 

 examples of horned screamer, both sexes of which arc distinguished by a slender bone- 

 like appendage attached to the forehead. The somewhat smaller northern .screamer is 

 represented by a male in the foreground and by a female perched on a mangrove at 

 the right. Both species inhabit mangrove swamps and the edges of lagoons in northern 

 South America. A third species occupies an extensive range south of the Amazon. 



Screamers derive their name from their remarkable vocal abilities. Regarding the 

 southern species, Hudson has written: "When disturbed, or when the nest is ap- 

 proached, l:)oth birds utter at intervals a loud alarm-cry, resembling in sound the 

 anger-cry of the Peacock, but twice as loud. At other times its voice is exercised in a 

 kind of singing performance, in which the male and female join, and which produces 

 the effect of harmony. The male begins, the female takes up her part, and then with 

 marvelous strength and spirit they pour forth a torrent of strangely contrasted sounds 

 — some bassoon-like in their depth and volume, some like drumbeats, and others long, 

 clear and ringing." 



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