THE WHITE IBIS. 223 



dividuals have been seen as far north as New Jersey, 

 but it may be considered rare north of the Carolinas. 

 On some of the islands at the southern extremity of 

 Florida these birds congregate in great numbers to 

 breed. Their nests are placed on the low shrubbery 

 or trees, and are sometimes very close together, Au- 

 dubon having counted forty-seven on a single plum- 

 tree. 



Respecting some of its habits we quote the follow- 

 ing from the above-named author : " The flight of 

 the White Ibis is rapid and protracted. Like all 

 other species of the genus, these birds pass through 

 the air with alternate flappings and sailings ; and I 

 have thought that the use of either mode depended 

 upon the leader of the flock ; for, with the most per- 

 fect regularity, each individual follows the motions 

 of that preceding it, so that a constant appearance of 

 regular undulations is produced through the whole 

 line. If one is shot at this time, the whole line is 

 immediately broken up, and for a few minutes all is 

 disorder ; but as they continue their course, they soon 

 resume their former arrangement. The wounded bird 

 never attempts to bite or to defend itself in any man- 

 ner, although, if only winged, it runs off with such 

 speed as often to escape the pursuer. 



" At other times the White Ibis, like the Red and 

 the Wood Ibises, rises to a great height in the air, 

 where it performs beautiful evolutions. After they 

 have thus, as it were, amused themselves for some 

 time, they glide down with astonishing speed, and 

 alight either on trees or on the ground. Should the 



