KEY TO THE WATER BIRDS OF FLORIDA. 



551 



white ; back and upper parts bluisli slate or gray. The immature birds show a great variety ^of 

 color in the plumage. 



Length, 48 : Wing, 20: Tail, 7 : Tarsus, 6.50; Bill, 5.50. 



Ardea lierodias. 



It ranges throughout North America from the far North southward to 

 the West Indies and South America. It is supposed to breed on the At- 

 lantic coast from Florida northward, although I have never seen this species 

 in Florida in the breeding season. 



The nest, which is built in a tree, is a large affair composed of sticks. 

 The eggs are from three to four in number and pale blue. 



Subgenus HERODIAS Bote. 



ARDEA EG RETT A Gtnel. 

 American Egret. 



Adjtlt: Entire plumage white, having in the breeding season long graceful plumes on the 

 back, which extend beyond the tail ; bill yellow ; legs and feet black ; lores pale orange edged 

 with greenish. 



Length, 38; Wing, 16; Tarsus, 5.80; Bill, 4.80. 



This species ranges throughout tropical and temperate America, having 

 been taken on the Atlantic coast as far north as New Jersey and Nova 



