184 BIRDS OF TUNISIA 



Waldo further states that the species also occurs and breeds in the 

 cliffs and caves of the Haha district, at no great distance from 

 Mogador. Dr. Hartert obtained two specimens of the bird at Cape 

 Blanco, and gives some interesting particulars regarding the species. 



The Red-cheeked Ibis appears once to have existed in Europe, 

 having been met with, it is said, in Switzerland, as well as in other 

 central and south-eastern parts of the Continent, but at the present 

 day its range seems to be confined to North Africa (as far south as 

 Abyssinia), Arabia and the Euphrates Valley. In the latter district, 

 according to Mr. C. G. Dan ford (Birds Eur. vi, p. H29), the species 

 occurs at Biledjik, on the Mesopotamian side of the Euphrates, where 

 it is an early and regular migrant, arriving in February, but apparently 

 it is not common, or of general distribution throughout that country. 



The species seems to be essentially a rock-frequenting bird, being 

 found, as a rule, either on arid hills and mountain-ranges, or among 

 steep and inaccessible sea- and river-cliffs. In its habits it is sociable 

 and gregarious and may be found consorting not only with those of its 

 own kind, but also in the immediate vicinity of, and apparently living 

 in harmony with, other species of birds. Dr. Hartert, in a graphic 

 description of his second meeting with this Ibis at Cape Blanco, relates 

 how, on stones being rolled down the cliff-sides and a gunshot fired, 

 the air was immediately alive with a varied multitude of birds suddenly 

 startled from their homes below, among which were Ibises, Storks, 

 Kites, Kestrels, Eavens, Cormorants, Pigeons, Starlings and Swifts, 

 all occupants of, and probably nesting in, the precipitous sea-cliffs. 

 It must indeed have been a sight not to be forgotten and Cape Blanco 

 must be a fascinating and delightful spot for the ornithologist, as 

 Dr. Hartert remarks. 



In its flight and in its movements generally, the present species 

 resembles its allies, and when on the wing, carries its head and feet 

 outstretched. Those who have had the opportunity of observing the 

 species, agree in considering it very silent, although, according to Dr. 

 Hartert, it occasionally utters a deep low " rrha," " rrha." 



Its food consists of beetles, locusts, and other insects, as well as 

 lizards, snakes, centipedes and snails. 



It nests in holes in cliffs and precipices, but generally in such 

 inaccessible spots, that little is really known about its nesting. 

 According to Mr. Dresser, the eggs of the species are bluish-white 

 in colour, and measure about 2*52 by 1"74 inches. 



