Vol. XX. I 

 1904 



1 '&Y.i!iT:^ Nesting Habits of Florida Herodioues. 2 7 



This was rather remarkable, considering that fifteen days later, 

 at Alligator Lake, where these Ibises were breeding in immense 

 numbers, they had young of all ages, many of them able to fly. 



There are several very large breeding rookeries of White Ibises 

 on the lower west coast of Florida which we did not have time to 

 visit, but we were told by our guides that they are much larger 

 than any we had seen. 



The eggs of the White Ibis are subject to great variation in size, 

 shape, and color, making a handsome series. The ground color 

 varies from pale blue to dull white or deep cream color. Some of 

 the eggs are nearly immaculate, with a few small spots or blotches 

 of various'shades of brown. Some are boldly spotted or heavily 

 blotched with chestnut or chocolate brown, and some profusely 

 washed or stained with russet or burnt sienna. In shape they 

 vary from ovate to elongate ovate. 



A series of six sets selected at random exhibit the following 

 measurements: length, 2.47 to 2.17; breadth, 1.61 to 1.47; aver- 

 age, 2.33 by 1.53 inches. 



The White Ibises are so extremely abundant that there seems to 

 be but little danger of their extermination, at least for a long time 

 to come, in spite of the fact that they are shot in large numbers 

 by sportsmen and tourists, as well as by the residents for food. 

 Their rookeries are generally difficult of access, and they are not 

 sought after by the plume hunters. 



Tantalus loculator. Wood Ibis. 



This interesting species is fairly common in nearly all the fresh 

 water lakes and marshes in the interior of Florida, and, owing to 

 its large size and striking colors, is always conspicuous. During 

 the winter months it is abundant all along the Indian River, where 

 it may be seen in large flocks along the muddy shores feeding on 

 small Crustacea and batrachians ; its actions at such times are gro- 

 tesque and amusing as it dances along over the mud, beating the 

 ground with its feet to drive the little crabs from their holes. As 

 the breeding season approaches the Wood Ibises disappear from 

 their winter feeding grounds and resort to the cypress swamps in 

 the interior to breed. There are several small breeding rookeries 



