EALCINELLUS IGNEUS. 



(Glossy Ibis.) 



Head, neck, upper part of the back and shoulder, and all the under surface, ricli deep chestnut brown ; the feathers of the crown are narrow, 

 pointed, and glossed with purple ; lower portion of the back, rump, and tail, shining blackish green, bronzed with green and purple ; wings, 

 rich deep reddish brown, glossed with green and purple ; primaries, nearly black, with green reflexions ; bill, olive black ; irides, brown ; legs 

 and feet, blackish green. The feraale is similar to the male, but rather smaller in size. "Weight, 16 to 18 ounces. 



Expanse of wings, 2 feet 9 inches ; length, 21 inches ; wing lOJ ; tail, 4 ; bill, from 4i to 6 ; tarsus, 3i ; mid-toe, 2}. 



This beautiful species of Ibis is very v/idely distributed over the globe. It is recorded as occurring in every portion of Europe, 

 its range extending even to Norway. In Britain it has not unfrequently been observed, and many specimens have been obtained throughout 

 the various counties, though always considered a rare and only occasional visitant. In Africa and Asia it is more commonly distributed, and 

 in America it is said to have been observed in various parts. Audubon says it is very numerous in Mexico ; but that eminent ornithologist, 

 the Prince of Canino, asserts the same to be another, though closely allied species. In Australia it is certainly very rare, but is recorded to 

 have been taken in a variety of situations — South Australia, New South Wales, Northern Australia, and Brisbane and Cape York in 

 Queensland. It is interesting to know that, in company with the common Sacred Ibis, this species was also regarded with veneration, by the 

 ancient Egyptians, and that its remains are to be found carefully preserved in the catacombs. It is not to be expected that much should be 

 known respecting so rare a wanderer to our shores, from personal observation in Australia ; but it is known to feed upon fish, insects of every 

 kind, snails, frogs, &c., in search of which it frequents swampy situations, and occasionally wades pretty deep, and even swims. The nest is 

 formed of materials collected from the banks of the swamp, and placed upon a more elevated situation among the reeds. Sometimes several 

 nests are to be found in close proximity. The eggs are two or three in number ; color, pale green. During incubation the female is supplied 

 with food by the male. This Ibis is usually to be found in small companies, but is very shy and difficult to approach. At the time of 

 migration these birds assemble in immense numbers, the flight being in a series of regular rows forming a closely compacted line. The 

 reduced flgure is taken from a fine male shot at Eagle Earm, near Brisbane, by Mr. James Cockerell, in October, 1867. 



