KEY TO THE WATER BIRDS OF FLORIDA. 



255 



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. 



