with Descriptions of New Species. 2Y1 



plumage ; the male has the rnfoiis coloring of a much deeper 

 shade, the black on the neck and breast more in extent, and 

 the black transverse markings on the abdomen very much 

 broader than in the U. States' species. 



SI. Iiiitoride§ b&*Miine§€ens, (Clundlnch.) 



• Ardea hrunnescens, Gnnd. Lemb. Av. Isl. Cub. 1850, p. 84, pi. 12. 

 Oniscus " Cab. Journ. f. Orn. Sep. 1856, p. 344. 



The opportunity to examine this rare species has tempted 

 me to give a short description of it, more particularly as Lem- 

 beye's figure does not satisfactorily represent the specimen sent, 

 which is fully adult. 



The top of the bead and long occipital feathers, back, tail and wings, 

 are dark glossy green ; the scapulars and interscapulars pale green, 

 washed with bkiish grey, having light grey shafts ; the wing-coverts very 

 narrowly edged with rufous ; the entire neck and long feathers extending 

 over the breast bright brownish chestnut, paler on the chin; abdomen 

 dark plumbeous ash, tinged with rufous on the sides. 



The wing measures 7 inches ; tail 3 ; tarsus 2J- ; bill 2|. 



It scarcely differs in size from £. mrescens, of which it is a 

 remarkable representative, but unmistakably distinct. The 

 plumage generally is darker than in virescens. In the appear- 

 ance of their upper parts the two species closely resemble each 

 other, but virescens has the chin and a central line down the 

 throat and neck, also a stripe on. the side of tlie head, white, 

 these parts in hrunnescens are uniform in color, with no trace 

 of white, this species is also without the light edgings to the 

 wing-coverts and smaller quills, so conspicuous in virescens. 



Dr. Gundlach writes me that he has only met with it five or 

 six times. 



