49 



The figures in the Plate were taken from hfe at 

 Lilford : the grotesque attitude of the more remote bird 

 is very frequently to be observed in fine warm weather 

 for taking the full benefit of the sun, and is, so far as 

 my experience goes, confined to this bird ; at all events 

 I have not observed it in any one of three other species 

 of Ibis now living at Lilford. The under surface of the 

 secondary wing-feathers in certain lights presents a most 

 beautiful iridescent vinous colour, much resembling that 

 of the collar of the Stock-Dove, and very conspicuous 

 when the bird faces the observer with one wing extended 

 to its full length, as depicted in the Plate. On wing, 

 at a distance, the Glossy Ibis very much resembles a 

 Cormorant in appearance, but in fashion of flight 

 approaches more closely to the White Spoonbill. The 

 nests of this species are placed either in dense jungles 

 of reed or, not uncommonly, in low trees or bushes in 

 the marshes, and are composed of broken reed-stems, 

 coarse sedge, and sticks. The eggs are usually four in 

 number, and are of very rich greenish blue. 



