118 MARSH AND SWAMP BIRDS. 



No. 127. GREAT BLUE HERON. 



Genus: Ardea. Species: A. herodias. 



Distribution: 



A summer resident of New England, most commonly breed- 

 ing in the northern portions. 



Date of Arrival: 

 April and May. 



Date of Departure: 



September through October. 



General Plumage: 



Upper parts slaty, crown black, divided by white, black 

 crest, neck brownish gray, in front a line of black, white and 

 yellowish, bend of wing chestnut; under parts black, white and 

 yellowish streaked, breast with a patch of black and white 

 feathers, leg feathers buff. Feet and legs black, upper man- 

 dible greenish yellow, under yellow. Immature similar, 

 crown black, throat white, black on sides and breast, plumes 

 lacking, paler. Length about 45.00 



Song and Other Notes: 



Harsh quawks and croaks. 



Haunts: 



MarsheSj and about bodies of water. 



