28 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 



or whether it is distinct. The probability, on purely biological grounds, 

 is that the two names should be merged. Nevertheless, whether by chance 

 or for some definite reason, the Great White Herons seem to outnumber 

 the Great Blues about the coast cays, while the reverse condition is generally 

 true of inland fresh waters. 



Today the Great Blue Heron is decidedly more rare than during 

 Gundlach's time. It is, however, still common in the Zapata Swamp, 

 but very shy. White birds have been observed in the Swamp, and of course 

 Great Blues are often seen along the coast where the shores are muddy 

 and fringed with mangroves. The white birds are more abundant among 

 the cays off the coast between Caibarien and Punta de Judas than almost 

 anywhere else. 



15. Egretta alba egretta (Gmelin). 

 American Egret; Garzon. 



While a few Greater Egrets were seen in 191 5 near the Estero de 

 Juan Hernandez on the south coast of Camaguey, and also in the Cienaga 

 on several recent visits, nevertheless the bird is tremendously reduced 

 in numbers and plume-hunting is still carried on in retired localities. 

 There is no sentiment against the use of plumage on millinery in Cuba, 

 and plumes, not only from Cuba but from Central America and from 

 northern South America, find a ready sale in Havana. 



16. Egretta thula thula (Molina). 

 Snowy Egret; Garza Blanca. 



This beautiful bird is now extremely rare. Mr. J. L. Peters collected 

 one (M. C. Z., no. 67,190), at Nipe Bay in March, 191 5. It is still occasion- 

 ally to be seen about the cays of the coast, but is now almost never observed 

 in the fresh-water swamps. 



