122 BIRDS OF THE NEW YORK CITY REGION 



WHISTLING SWAN (Olor columbianus) 



In colonial times apparently a regular transient, now a 

 very rare or casual visitant. There are only four definite 

 records for Long Island, as summarized by Eaton, the dates 

 ranging between November 5 and January 1. Casual at 

 Scarboro late November, 1897 (Gerald H. Thayer). See 

 page 382 for discussion of Mute Swan. 



Long Island. Very rare or casual transient, November 5 to 

 January 1. 



ORIENT. Several records in fall and winter; November 15, 

 1915 to February 7, 1914. [There is the possibility that one or 

 more of these sight records may refer to the Mute Swan 

 L. G.] 



WHITE IBIS (Guam alba) 



Accidental visitant from the southern states. Two old 

 records for Long Island, summer of 1836, and early March 

 1843. 



GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis autumnahs) 



Accidental visitant from the South. Two old records for 

 Long Island, September 12, 1847 and October 10, 1848. 



WOOD IBIS (Mycteria americana) 



Accidental visitant from the South. One record for Long 

 Island in the Orient region, East Marion, June 21, 1890. 



AMERICAN BITTERN (Botaurus lentiginosus) 

 This shy and retiring Heron is still a fairly common tran- 

 sient in our area in suitable localities, but is steadily decreas- 

 ing as a summer resident, due to the constant draining and 

 improvement of marsh lands. Those observers, who would 

 really know the Bittern, must seek out a cat-tail marsh or 

 reedy bog, and be prepared to get both wet and muddy. The 

 bird may sometimes be located by its " pumping" in the 

 spring, but this is rarely heard during the day. Many 



