88 
ALTRICIAL GRALLATORES — HERODIONES. 
is continued anteriorly along the edge of the quills for an inch or less, in the form of an irregular 
spattering or sprinkling. 
A nearly adult specimen (No. 70689, Demerara), retaining traces of immaturity in the plumage, 
differs from the fully mature bird in the following particulars : The feathers of the anterior 
portion of the throat project forward in a point about .65 of an inch in length, into the bare gular 
skin, forming an acute angle, as in most specimens of E. albus. The plumage in general is con- 
tinuous pure scarlet, but the head and neck are paler than in perfectly adult specimens, while 
most of the feathers have a dusky brownish mesial streak. There are also a number of wholly 
dark brown feathers interspersed over the lower part of the nape and anterior portion of the back. 
The bill is very light-colored, having been in life apparently of a pale red or pink color. 
The Red or Scarlet Ibis is of very doubtful occurrence within the limits of the 
United States. Wilson was misinformed in regard to its abundance in Carolina, Geor- 
gia, and Florida. We are not aware that there is a single well-authenticated instance 
on record of one having been taken within the limits of our territory. Audubon states 
that in July, 1821, lie saw a flock of three at Bayou Sara, in Louisiana. These were 
flying in a line, in the manner of the White Ibis, above the tops of the trees, and he 
had no doubt of their identity. The habits of this species are probably not different 
from those of the Ibis alba, hut are not so well known. 
The Scarlet Ibis is said by Mr. Gosse to be a not uncommon visitant on the shores 
of Jamaica, though he never met with it himself. He was informed by Mr. Hill that 
it was quite common in the winter of 1816-7. Mr. March never met with it, and 
regarded it as a rare visitant. It was more frequent at the western end of the island. 
It is not mentioned by Gundlach as occurring in Cuba. It is, however, said by Leo- 
taud to be very common on the Island of Trinidad, where it keeps principally about 
the banks of rivers, and especially of those which run through swampy places. It is 
always seen in flocks, and these are generally composed of individuals all of which 
are about the same age. This bird is a resident of the island, but at times its num- 
bers are largely augmented by the arrival of others from the continent. During 
these flights this bird moves in single file, one following closely another ; and when 
there is a large number, the line seems almost interminable. It feeds on worms, on 
soft mollusks, and, at times, on small fishes. It rests at night in the branches of the 
mangroves ; and its brilliant red color forms a striking contrast to the deep green of 
the foliage. It is easily tamed, becomes reconciled to confinement, and is not only a 
great ornament to a garden, but makes itself useful by the destruction of hosts of 
noxious larvte. This bird will follow closely upon those rvho are turning up the 
soil, in order that it may seize upon whatever of this kind is brought to view. 
The flesh of the young bird is said to be excellent eating ; while the brilliant plumage 
of the adult is much sought for, and a destructive warfare is kept up against it. Its 
numbers are sensibly diminishing year by year ; and it will soon become very rare, if 
not quite extinct. It was formerly known to nest in Trinidad ; but such occurrences 
have now become quite exceptional. 
This bird was found abundant on the Orinoco by Mr. E. C. Taylor, and on the 
Amazon by Mr. John E. Warren. Mr. Dresser was assured by friends living at 
Matamoras that the Scarlet Ibis is found there, and at a lagoon near Brownville dur- 
ing the winter. He had no opportunity of verifying the fact ; but as this bird is one 
not easily confounded with any other, he had no doubt of its occurrence, and includes 
it in his list. 
An egg of this species (S. I. No. 15504) obtained at Puerto Cabello by Mr. 0. F. 
Starke, measures 2.10 inches in length by 1.45 in breadth. Its ground color is a grayish 
white, thinly marked over two thirds of its surface with small blotches of bistre. At 
