166 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 
FAM. ARDEIDA. 
Fig RIO RNESE 
ARDEA HERODIAS. Linn. 
GREAT BLUE HERON. 
Local Name.— Arsnicker. 
Adult Male.— Above, grayish blue; neck, grayish brown, with 
a white line on the throat; head, black, having a white patch on the 
forehead; below, mostly white and black, sometimes streaked with 
brown; edge of the wings and feathers of the leg showing orange, 
brown, and gray; bill, yellow; legs, greenish; iris, yellow. 
Length 48, wing 20, tail 7, tarsus 6.50, bill 5.50. 
This species is a common winter visitant, and perhaps a resident. 
During its stay it may be frequently met with on the beaches or in 
the small inland ponds, but it is extremely watchful and difficult 
to approach. The flesh of this bird is considered a great delicacy 
by the inhabitants. 
Fig, Aud. Bds:"N.A:, Vol. VIE pl. 360. . 
