THE WHITE IBIS. 
223 
dividuals have been seen as far north as New Jersey, 
but it may be considered rare north of the Carolinas. 
On some of the islands at the southern extremity of 
Florida these birds congregate in great numbers to 
breed. Their nests are placed on the low shrubbery 
or trees, and are sometimes very close together, Au- 
dubon having counted forty-seven on a single plum- 
tree. 
Respecting some of its habits we quote the follow- 
ing from the above-named author : “ The flight of 
the White Ibis is rapid and protracted. Like all 
other species of the genus, these birds pass through 
the air with alternate flappings and sailings ; and I 
have thought that the use of either mode depended 
upon the leader of the flock ; for, with the most per- 
fect regularity, each individual follows the motions 
of that preceding it, so that a constant appearance of 
regular undulations is produced through the whole 
line. If one is shot at this time, the whole line is 
immediately broken up, and for a few minutes all is 
disorder ; but as they continue their course, they soon 
resume their former arrangement. The wounded bird 
never attempts to bite or to defend itself in any man- 
ner, although, if only winged, it runs off with such 
speed as often- to escape the pursuer. 
“ At other times the White Ibis, like the Red and 
the Wood Ibises, rises to a great height in the air, 
where it performs beautiful evolutions. After they 
have thus, as it were, amused themselves for some 
time, they glide down with astonishing speed, and 
alight either on trees or on the ground. Should the 
