of the United States. 307 



Inhabits common in the south and south-western states : 

 wintering in tropical America : migrates in spring throughout 

 the union ; rare in the middle, and especially the northern 

 states. 



f f No long occipital feathers. 



224. Ardea minor, Wils. Yellowish-ferruginous, mottled and 

 sprinkled with deep brown ; throat white, streaked with 

 brownish ; crown, a wide patch each side of the neck, and 

 quill feathers, plain black. 



Young, colors less decided. 



American Bittern, Ardea minor, Wils. Am. Orn. vii. p. 35« 

 pi. 65. jig. 3. adult. 



Inhabits throughout North America, leaving cold regions 

 during winter. Closely allied to Ardea stellaris of Europe. 



235. Ardea virescens, L. Crested ; glossy green j neck and 

 breast dark vinaceous ; a line from the chin down the throat, 

 white streaked with blackish. 



Adult, back with long tapering pointed feathers. 



Young much less brilliant, destitute of the dorsal train. 



Green Heron, Ardea virescens, Wils. Am. Orn. vii. p. 97. 

 pl.6i.fg. 1. 



Inhabits throughout North America during the fine season : 

 common: some wintering in the southern states. Found also 

 in the Island of Java ! 



SUBGENUS III. ARDEOLA. 



Bill longer than the head, higher than broad at base; 

 upper mandible nearly straight. Neck elongated, rather 

 slender, thickly covered with long, broad, loose, erectile 

 feathers, merely downy alone : body slender, much compres- 

 sed. Legs comparatively short : tibiae wholly feathered : 

 membrane uniting the toes merely rudimental. 



Female somewhat differing from the male. Young differ- 

 ing from both. Smallest of the genus. 



