3 22 KEY TO THE WATER IJIKDS Ol- FLORIDA. 



White phase : Entire plumage white ; bill black on the terminal third; balance flesh color ; 

 legs greenish. 



Length, 29; Wing, 14 ; Tail, 4 ; Tarsus, 5.30 ; Bill, 3.90. 



(White phase.) 



For a long time the white phase of this species was considered to be 

 distinct and was known as Peal's Egret. There can be no doubt as to its 

 merely being a different phase of plumage and not a distinct species, as the 

 3^oung birds, both white and colored, have been taken from the same nest. 



It usually breeds in Florida, the nest being built on the lower branches 

 of a mangrove tree close to the water. I found this bird breeding in the 

 Bahama Islands, and on June 25, 1879, took a white and a gray bird from 

 the same nest, neither of them being old enough to fly. 



The eggs are usually from 3 to 4 in number, being pale blue in color. 



Subgenus HYDRANASSA Baird. 



ARDEA TRICOLOR RUFICOLLIS {Gosse). 

 Louisiana Heron. 



Adult male in brecdin^i^ plitntage : Terminal third of bill black, balance blue : lores blue in 

 winter: bill black, yellowish at l)ase ; general plumage slaty blue: crest streaked reddish purple, 



