NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS EGGS. 



91 



[185.] Scarlet Ibis. Guam rubra. 



Range. Occasionally, but not recent- 

 ly met with in the southern states. 

 Their habitat is in tropical America, they 

 being especially abundant along the 

 Orinoco River in northern South 

 America. 



Full plumaged adults of this species 

 are wholly bright scarlet, except for the 

 primaries, which are black. Their nests 

 are built in impenetrable thickets, 

 rushes or mangroves, the nests being 

 constructed like those of the White 

 Ibis. The eggs, too, are very similar to 

 those of the preceding species, but both 

 the ground color and the markings 

 average brighter. While still common 

 in some localities, the species is gradually becoming less abundant, chiefly 

 because of the demand for their feathers for use in fly-tying. 



[Pale greenish blue,] 



186. Glossy Ibis. Plegadis autumnalis. 



Range. This tropical and sub-tropical species, is chiefly found in the Old 

 World. It is occasionally found in southeastern United States where it some- 

 times breeds. Its habits, nesting habits and eggs are just the same as the next 

 species. 



187. White-faced Glossy Ibis. Plegadis guarauna. 



Range. A sub-tropical species found in the southwestern parts of the Tinted 

 States, rarely found east of the Mississippi. 



This species differs from the Gl<-y 

 Ibis in having the feathers on the front 

 of the head white, the rest of the plumage 

 is a dull brownish chestnut, with greenish 



reflections on the back. As these birds 

 are not in demand eoinniereially. their 

 numbers have not deereased. and thmis- 

 ands of them breed in colonies in southern 

 Texas. They build a substantial nest of 

 reeds and rushes woven about tin- upright 

 canes, close to the surface of the water. 

 Their eggs are laid durinu May. and num- 

 ber from three to four. They are .-a>ily 

 distinguished from those of the Her>n>. 



Grepl being of a deeper greenish blue color *nd 



averagingmoreelon-ate. Si/,- l.'.r.x I.::.-.. 



Data.-Corpus Christi, Texas, May 26, 1899. Four egus. Nest .f twiirs and 

 rushes in growing rushes on side of river. Collector, F. H. Armstrong. 



