KEY TO THE WATER BIRDS OF P^LORIDA. 



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mixed with dull white: throat white, mixed with reddish brown and purple, heaviest on the lower 

 part, forming a stripe continuing down the front of the neck : under parts white ; under tail 

 coverts slightly edged with bluish ; legs yellowish green : iris red. 

 Length, 25 : Wing, 10.50: Tail. 3.50 : Tarsus, 4 : Bill, 4. 



Ardea tricolor ruficollis 



Is common in the Gulf States, extending to Mexico, Central America, 

 and the West Indies, accidental northward to New Jersey. 



It is a common species in Florida, breeding in bushes near water. The 

 eggs are usually four or five, pale blue in color. 



