SCARLET IBIS 
185. Guara rubra. 25 in. 
This beautiful species is wholly bright scarlet, except 
for the black primaries; young birds are found in all 
stages of plumage from the brownish-gray and white of 
the first year birds, to the full plumage of the adults. 
This is a tropical ibis that abounds in northern South 
America, but is yearly decreasing in numbers, owing 
to the persistency with which they are hunted, their 
feathers being much in demand for tying trout flies, as 
well as for decorating hats. a barbarous practice that 
is being stopped in this country, by legislation and 
public sentiment. 
Nest.—In rushes or mangroves like that of the last 
species; the eggs are the same size but average brighter 
in color (2.25 x 1.60). 
Range.—Northern South America, casually north to 
the Gulf States, but has not been reported for years 
in our country. 
