1840.] 



of the Peninsula of India, 



203 



Genus IBIS. 



323. --/. Macei, Cuv. and Wagl.— /. religiosa, of Sykes' Cat.— Taw?. 

 melanocephaluH of Lath. — the young bird. — Moonda, H. — Suffeid Boozak 

 of some. — Black-headed Ibis. 



The Indian Black-headed Ibis, is generally supposed to be a different 

 specief! from the one found in Egypt, and which was held sacred, and 

 embalmed by the ancient Egyptians. Colonel Sykes, however, asserts 

 their identity. This bird is found in tanks, rivers, marshes, wet paddy- 

 fields, &c. in flocks of various size, and feeds on small fish, frogs, crabs, 

 shrimps, and a variety of insects, both water and land, for it is occasion- 

 ally seen feeding on the dry ground, near rivers and tanks. It is found 

 at all seasons, and therefore most probably, breeds in this country, though 

 I have not yet seen its nest. Inside the bone of the wings is covered 

 by a bright red skin, as in the Cic. leucocephala. The young bird 

 has the head and neck partly covered with small white feathers, and 

 is therefore, as Wagler imagines, the Taut, melanocephalus of Latham. 



Irides lake red ; bill, naked head and neck, and feet black. Length 

 30 to 34 inches ; bill at gape about 7 ; tarsus 4 ; weight 3i lbs, 



324. — L papulosa, Temm. P. C. — Boozah, li.—Kala Boozah of some. 

 '—Warty -headed Ibis. 



This bird is of common occurrence throughout India, being found in 

 numerous flocks, feeding on the open plains, chiefly on grasshoppers, 

 beetles, and other land insects, also few even on water insects, frogs, &c. 

 It breeds on trees in the neighbourhood of water, sometimes alone, but 

 at times in numerous parties. Colonel Sykes says correctly " Soar 

 high in the air, uttering melancholy screams." It makes a long flight 

 with a Bhyree, and requires a good one to capture it. 



Irides light red ; bill brownish red ; legs dirty brick red ; papilla of 

 the crown and occiput, bright red — naked skin on which they are placed 

 black. Length 25 to 30 ; bill at gape 6 ; tarsus 3 ; weight S^lb. 



325. — I. falcinellus^ Temm.-— I. igneus — young bird of the 2d year, ac- 

 cording to Wagler.— JiLfM'aree, H. — Glossy Ibis. 



As I have always shot the so called /, igneus in company with the 

 other species, I am induced to agree with those who consider it as the 

 young bird of the I. falcinellus. 



The Glossy Ibis frequents shallow water ar the edge of tanks and 

 rivers— also marshes and wet paddy-fields. It is always found in flocks, 



