STORKS Family Ciconidae 

 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 

 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 \ork. 



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