KEY TO THE WATER BIRDS OF FLORIDA. 257 



It ranges in winter from the Southern United States to the West Indies 

 and South America ; north in summer accidentally to New England. 



It breeds in Florida, building a nest of sticks in bushes and small trees, 

 usually over water. The eggs are three to four in number and pale blue. 



Subgenus BUTORIDES Blyth. 



Ardea virescens. 



ARDEA VIRESCENS Linn. 

 Little Green Heron. 



Top of the head extending in a small crest dark green; neck chestnut; throat marked 

 heavily with white ; under parts pale purplish or ashy marked with white : back greenish, show- 

 ing tinge of slate color : wing coverts green, feathers edged with buffy white; bend of wing 

 whitish; tail greenish, upper mandible black; lower mandible mostly yellow, dark on the top; 

 legs yellowish green. 



Length, 16 inches; Wing, 6.50; Tail, 2.4c; Tarsus, 1.85 ; Bill, 2.30. 



This species ranges from Canada southward to South America and the 

 West Indies, being common and breeding throughout most of its range on 

 the Atlantic coast. It is common in Florida, where it breeds. 



The nest is usually placed on a branch of a tree overhanging water. 

 The eggs are pale blue, usually four to six in number. 



