THE GLOSSY IBIS. 
173 
GLOSSY IBIS. 
The Glossy Ibis {Ihis falcinellus), — This and the next 
species are the only British representatives of the Tantalina^ 
a family of the Stalkers, which has but three genera, and is 
composed of birds belonging exclusively to warm climates. 
They combine the characters of the Herons or Storks and 
the Curlews. The two species which do visit our shores 
come as rare and accidental stragglers. Of the above- 
named several specimens have been taken here. It does not 
appear to be a permanent resident in any part of Europe, 
although it is found, during the summer months, in many 
countries of that continent, even in Switzerland and 
Siberia. In winter it migrates into Asia and Africa, chiefly 
perhaps into India and Egypt, where it is sometimes found 
preserved in the sepulchres ; but not so frequently as its 
congener, the White Ibis, which is held more expressly 
sacred. It is a handsome bird, having the neck, breast, 
and lower parts of a bright chestnut red ; the back, wings, 
and tail of a glossy green, with purple tints. The legs are 
very long and slender, and the bill enormously long, and 
broad at the base, giving the creature a very awkward 
ungainly appearance. Mitchell, in his * Euins of Many 
Lands,' has this allusion to it : — 
Far down in Nubia's waste grey temples stand, 
Tottering with age, each doorway choked with sand, 
