26o KEY TO THE WATER BIRDS OF FLORIDA. 



Length, about 23; Wing, 13.20; Tail, 4: Tarsus, 3.70; Bill, 2.60. 



Immature birds have the crown dusky streaked with white or buffy white, the rest of the 

 plumage heavily mottled, blotched with pointed marks of brown ; also marked with buff and 

 dull white. Primaries slate color, showing no rufous. The immature birds of this species 

 somewhat resemble those of the Black-crowned Night Heron, but differ from it, having the head 

 darker and no rufous on the primaries. 



This species occurs in Eastern North America from the CaroHnas south 

 to South America and the West Indies. It has been recorded as far north 

 as Massachusetts. It breeds commonly in Florida. The nest is built in 

 trees, and the eggs are four or live in number and pale blue. 



ORDER PALUDICOL^. 



Cranes, Rails, etc. 



Suborder Grues. 



Cranes. 



Family GRUIDvE. Cranes. 

 Genus GRUS Pallas. 



GRUS AMERICANA (Zmn.). 

 Whooping Crane. 



Adult: Bare part of the head hairy; plumage white; primaries black; bill greenish; legs 

 black; bare skin on the head carmine red. The immature birds have the head feathered and 

 the general plumage brownish gray. 



Length, 52 ; Wing, 23.50; Tail, 8.40; Bill, 6.10; Tarsus, 12, 



This species is a rare bird on the Atlantic coast, although it was formerly 

 not uncommon and has been recorded from New England. It now inhabits 



