SNOWY EGRET 



many regions entirely exterminated. Its much 

 larger size, slender graceful build, black legs and 

 yellow bill easily distinguish it from the imma- 

 ture individuals of Florida cczrulea. 



3. Egretta candidissima candidissima (Gmelin) 

 Snowy Egret 



Length 610 mm. (24.00 in.); tail 100 mm. 

 (4.00 in.). Plumage entirely white. Adults 

 in breeding plumage have delicate upwardly 

 curving plumes growing from the region between 

 the shoulders. These are wanting at other 

 seasons and in young birds. Bill black, yellow 

 at base; legs black, feet yellow. 



This delicate, beautiful little heron is now 

 rare in the Canal Zone and everywhere greatly 

 diminished in numbers owing to the merciless 

 destruction of the plume-hunters. Though not 

 greatly different in size from Florida c&rulea, 

 it may be distinguished from the white, imma- 

 ture birds of that species by its black legs. 



4. Hydranassa tricolor ruficollis (Gosse) 

 Louisiana Heron 



Length about 660 mm. (26.00 in.) ; tail about 

 90 mm. (3.50 in.). 



Sexes alike. Adults. Head, neck and upper 



parts bluish slate gray, darker on head and neck, 



which bear maroon purplish plumes; chin and 



throat white, continued in streaks (mixed with 



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