THE BIRD BOOK 



Glossy Ibis 



White-fa.ced Glossy Ibis 



Wood Il3is 



186. Glossy Ibis. Plegadis nntumnalis. 



llange. — This tropical and sub-tropical species, 

 is chiefly found in the Old World. It is occasion- 

 ally found in southeastern United States where it 

 sometimes breeds. Its habits, nesting habits and 

 eggs are .lust the same as the next species. 



187. WiiiTE-FArED Glossy Ibis. Plegadis 



guaraima. 



Range. — A sub-tropical species found in the 

 southwestern parts of the United States, rarely 

 found east of the Mississippi. 



This species differs from the Glossy Ibis in 

 having the feathers on the front of the head white, 

 the rest of the plumage is a dull brownish cb'est- 

 nut, with greenish reflections on the back. As 

 these birds are not in demand commercially, their 

 numbers have not decreased, and thousands of 

 them breed in colonies in southern Texas. They 

 build a substantial nest of reeds and rushes woven 

 about the upright' canes, close to the surface of the 

 water. Tlieir eggs are laid during May, and num- 

 ber from three to four. They are easily distin- 

 guished from those of the Herons, being of a 

 deeper greenish blue color and averaging more 

 elongate. Size 1.95 x 1.35. Data. — Corpus Christi, 

 Texas, May 26, 15^99. Four eggs. Nest of twigs 

 and rushes on side of river. Collector, F. B. 

 Armstrong. 



STORKS and WOOD IBISES 

 Family CICONIIDAE 



1! 



Wood Ibis. Mycleriu aiiiericana. 



Range. — A sub-tropical species which is resident along the Gulf coast and 

 which strays casually north to New England and Colorado. 



This peculiar member of the Stork family has the whole head and part of the 

 neck bare and covered with numerous scales; the bill is large, long and heavy; 

 the plumage is white, except for the black primaries and tail. It is a large 

 bird about four feet in length. They are quite abundant in swamps along the 



118 



