STORKS—Family Ciconide 
WOOD IBIS 
188. Mycteria americana. 40 to 46 in. 
Entire head unfeathered and covered with scales; 
both head and legs are pale bluish in color; eye brown; 
plumage entirely white except for the glossy purplish- 
black primaries and tail. This large bird is a true 
stork and is very similar to the common European 
Stork. The name ibis was incorrectly and unfortunately | 
applied to this species, and tends to confusion. Its 
flight is very easy and graceful, accomplished with a | 
slow flapping of the wings, alternated at short intervals — 
with long sails. At times they mount high in the air 
and circle about like hawks or vultures. 
Notes.—Loud, hoarse croaks. 
Nest.—A shallow platform of sticks in bushes or at Bae 
low elevations in trees, usually over the water, the birds __ 
swarming in the most inaccessible swamps. Their 3 or 
4 eggs are white and granular. 
Range.—Breeds in the Gulf States and north to South 
Carolina; later may stray north to New York. 
