268 BIEDS OF EGYPT. 



towards the feathered part of the thigh and on the soles of 

 the feet ; irides yellow. 



In the summer plumage the feathers on the back are hair- 

 like, and extend beyond the tail, and the feathers on the crop 

 are elongated. 



Entire length 43 inches ; culmen 5 ; wing, carpus to 

 tip, 16'5 J tail 7 ; tarsus 7'6. 



Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 276. 



279. Herodias garzetta (Linn.). Little Egret. 



This graceful little bird is abundant both in Egypt and 

 Nubia, and is a resident in those countries throughout the 

 year. It is usually to be met with singly by the edge of the 

 water, and is equally partial to both the river and pools, 

 feeding almost exclusively on fish. Early in April it begins 

 to put on its breeding-plumage. 



Entire plumage pure white. In the breeding-season it 

 assumes a crest of two long narrow plumes ; the feathers 

 on the crop are elongated ; and those on the back are long, 

 extending rather beyond the tail, and are of a very peculiar 

 hairy structure; a bare space in front of the eye of a 

 greenish shade ; legs and leak Hack ; feet dirty yellow ; 

 irides pale yellow. 



Entire length 23 inches ; culmen 35 ; wing, carpus to 

 tip, 11'5 ; tarsus 4. 



Fig. Gould, B. of Eur. pi. 277. 



280. Ardeola russata (Wagl.). Buff-hacked Heron. 



This species is very abundant in Egypt, especially iu the 

 Delta, where flocks may be daily seen feeding among cattle 



t 



