44 



WHITE IBIS. 



to observe the numerous squadrons of these Spanish Curlews, 

 driving to and fro, turning and tacking about high up in the air, 

 when by their various evolutions in the different and opposite cur- 

 rents of the wind, high in the clouds, their silvery white plumage 

 gleams and sparkles like the brightest crystal, reflecting the sun- 

 beams that dart upon them between the dark clouds." 



The White Ibis is twenty-three inches long, and thirty-seven 

 inches in extent ; bill formed exactly like that of the scarlet spe- 

 cies, of a pale red, blackish towards the point ; face a reddish flesh 

 color and finely wrinkled; irides whitish; whole plumage pure 

 white, except about four inches of the tips of the four outer quill 

 feathers, which are of a deep and glossy steel blue; legs and feet 

 pale red, webbed to the first joint. 



These birds I frequently observed standing on the dead limbs 

 of trees, and on the shore, resting on one leg, their body in an al- 

 most perpendicular position, as represented in the figure, the head 

 and bill resting on the breast. This appears to be its most com- 

 mon mode of resting, and perhaps sleeping, as in all those which 

 I examined the plumage on the upper ridge of the neck and upper 

 part of the back, was evidently worn by this habit. The same is 

 equally observable on the neck and back of the Wood Ibis. 



The present species rarely extends its visits north of Carolina, 

 and even in that state is only seen for a few weeks towards the 

 end of summer. In Florida they are common; but seldom re-, 

 move to any great distance from the sea. 



