Glossy Ibis

The Glossy Ibis naturally colonized North America during Audubon's lifetime. George Ord shot the first recorded bird in 1817 near Great Egg Harbor, New Jersey, and Alexander Wilson first described it the same year. Audubon saw Glossy Ibis only once, when he obtained a specimen near St. Augustine on January 16, 1832. The painting upon which the plate is based, however, was done in Charleston during the winter of 1836-37.

"I have given the figure of a male bird in superb plumage, procured in Florida near a wood-cutter's cabin, a view of which is also given."

Reproductions