660 



SYSTEMATIC SYNOPSIS. — HEBODIONES—HEBODII. 



659. G. candidis'sima. (Lat. candidissima, very white ; Candida, white.) Little White 

 Egret. Sxuwy Heron. Adults with a loug occipital crest of decomposed feathers, and 

 similar dorsal plumes, latter recurved when perfect ; similar, but not recurved plumes on the 

 lower neck, which is bare behind. Lores, eyes, and toes yellow ; bill and legs black, former 

 yellow at base, latter yellow at the lower part behind. Plumage always entirely white. 

 Length about 24.00; extent 36.00-40.00; wing 9.50-11.00; tail 4.00; bill 3.00 or more; 



Fig. 459. — European Little White Egret, Garzetta nivea, \ nat. size. (From Brehm,) 



tibiffi bare 2.50 ; tarsus 3.75 : middle toe 2.75. S. States ; Gala. ; Middle States, in summer ; 

 N. occasionally to New England, Canada, and Nova Scotia. Abundant in its regular range ; 

 resident in the South and beyond ; breeds throughout. Eggs about 4, 1.67 X 1-25. 

 HYDRANAS'SA. (Gr. vSwp, hudor, water, giving in Lat. hydr- ; avatraa, anassa, a queen.) 

 Demoiselle Eorets. Of medium size : length under two and a half or three feet. Bill 

 very slender, contracted from the base toward the middle, ^A^th almost a little concave upper 

 and under outline, then tapering to a point; in length equalling or exceeding the tarsus. 



