guarauna._

Range.--A sub-tropical species found in the southwestern parts of the
United States, rarely found east of the Mississippi.

This species differs from the Glossy Ibis in having the feathers on the
front of the head white, the rest of the plumage is a dull brownish
chestnut, with greenish reflections on the back. As these birds are not
in demand commercially, their numbers have not decreased, and thousands
of them breed in colonies in southern Texas. They build a substantial
nest of reeds and rushes woven about the upright canes, close to the
surface of the water. Their eggs are laid during May, and number from
three to four. They are easily distinguished from those of the Herons,
being of a deeper greenish blue color and averaging more elongate. Size
1.95 x 1.35. Data.--Corpus Christi, Texas, May 26, 1899. Four eggs. Nest
of twigs and rushes on side of river. Collector, F. B. Armstrong.

STORKS and WOOD IBISES
Family CICONIIDAE

188. WOOD IBIS. _Mycteria americana._

Range.--A sub-tropical species which is resident along the Gulf coast
and which strays casually north to New England and Colorado.

This peculiar member of the Stork family has the whole head and part of
the neck bare and covered with numerous scales; the bill is large, long
and heavy; the plumage is white, except for the black primaries and
tail. It is a large bird about four feet in length. They are quite
abundant in swamps along the

[Illustration 120: Glossy Ibis. White-faced Glossy Ibis. Wood Ibis.]
[Illustration: deco.]
[Illustration: left hand margin.]

Page 119

Gulf coast, where they place their nests, which are platforms of sticks,
in trees and bushes over the water. They lay three eggs which are white,
and have a rough surface. Size 2.75 x 1.75.

189. JABIRU. _Jabiru mycteria._

This large bird, which is the only true Stork that claims a place in our
avifauna, is a native of South and Central America, wandering north,
casually to Texas. Their nests are large platforms of sticks in very
high trees.

BITTERNS and HERONS Family ARDEIDAE

Herons and Bitterns are long-legged waders, having straight, pointed
bills, and with the head feathered, except for the lores.

190. BITTERN. _Bautaurus lentiginosus._

Range.--United States and southern British provinces, breeding in the
northern half of the United States and wintering in the southern
portion.

This species, with its mottled rusty brownish plumage, is one o