ROSEATE SPOONBILL. 73 



they have been dispersed by a tempest, in which case one of them is now 

 and then found in a situation where you would least expect it. At the 

 approach of the breeding season, these small flocks collect to form great 

 bodies, as is the manner of the Ibises, and resort to their former places of 

 residence, to which they regularly return, like Herons. During the moult, 

 which takes place in Florida late in May, the young of the preceding year 

 conceal themselves among the close branches of the mangroves and other 

 trees growing over narrow inlets, between secluded keys, or on bayous, 

 where they spend the whole day, and whence it is difficult to start them. 

 Toward night they return to their feeding grounds, generally keeping apart 

 from the old birds. In the same country the old birds pass through their 

 spring moult early in March, after which they are truly beautiful, presenting 

 the appearance which I have attempted to represent in the plate before you. 

 The sight of a flock of fifteen or twenty of these full-dressed birds is 

 extremely pleasing to the student of nature, should he conceal himself from 

 their view, for then he may observe their movements and manners to 

 advantage. Now, they all stand with their wings widely extended to 

 receive the sun's rays, or perhaps to court the cooling breeze, or they enjoy 

 either seated on their tarsi. Again, they all stalk about with graceful steps 

 along the margin of the muddy pool, or wade in the shallows in search of 

 food. After awhile they rise simultaneously on wing, and gradually ascend 

 in a spiral manner to a great height, where you see them crossing each other 

 in a thousand ways, like so many Vultures or Ibises. At length, tired of 

 this pastime, or perhaps urged by hunger, they return to their feeding 

 grounds in a zigzag course, and plunge through the air, as if displaying their 

 powers of flight before you. These birds fly with their necks stretched 

 forward to their full length, and their legs and feet extended behind, moving 

 otherwise in the manner of Herons, or with easy flappings, until about to 

 alight, when they sail with expanded wings, passing once or twice over the 

 spot, and then gently coming to the ground, on which they run a few steps. 

 When travelling to a distant place they proceed in regular ranks, but on 

 ordinary occasions they fly in a confused manner. When the sun is shining, 

 and they are wheeling on wing previous to alighting, their roseate tints 

 exhibit a richer glow, which is surpassed only by the brilliancy of the 

 Scarlet Ibis and American Flamingo. 



This beautiful bird is usually fond of the company of our different Herons, 

 whose keen sight and vigilance are useful to it in apprising it of clanger, and 

 allowing it to take flight in due time. When the Spoonbills are by 

 themselves and feeding, they can easily be approached by those who, like 

 yourself perhaps, are expert at crawling over the mud on hands and knees, 

 through the tall and keen-edged saw-grass. I well recollect my own success 



Vol. VI. 11 



