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THE WOOD IBIS. 
THE WOOD IBIS. ( Tantalus loculator.') 
THE Wood Ibis (says Mr. Wilson) inhabits the lower parts 
of Louisiana, Carolina, and Georgia; is very common in 
Florida, and extends as far south as Cayenne, Brazil, and 
various parts of South America. In the United States it is 
migratory ; but has never, to my knowledge, been found to the 
north of Virginia. Its favourite haunts are watery savannas 
and inland swamps, where it feeds on fish and reptiles. The 
French inhabitants of Louisiana esteem it good eating. 
With the particular manners of this species I am not 
personally acquainted ; but the following characteristic traits 
are given of it by Mr. William Bartram, who had the best 
opportunities of noting them : — 
u This solitary bird,” he observes, u does not associate in 
flocks, but is generally seen alone, commonly near the 
banks of great rivers, in vast marshes or meadows, especially 
such as are covered by inundations, and also in the vast, 
deserted rice plantations ; he stands alone on the topmost 
limb of tall, dead cypress-trees, his neck contracted or drawn 
in upon his shoulders, and his beak resting, like a long 
scythe, upon his breast ; in this pensive posture, and solitary 
situation, they look extremely grave, sorrowful, and melan- 
choly, as if in the deepest thought. They are never seen 
on the sea-coast, and yet are never found at a great distance 
from it. They feed on serpents, young alligators, frogs, and 
other reptiles.” 
