'NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 117 



are from two to five in number, usually four, varying from elliptical to oval in form; 

 sizes from 1.80 to 1.85 long by 1.20 to 1.25 broad. 



* EUROPEAN LITTLE WHITE EGRET, Garzetta. nivea. (From Brehm.) 



198. REDDISH EGBET. Ardea rufescens Gmel. Geog. Dist. Gulf States 

 and Mexico, south to Guatemala, Jamaica and Cuba. 



The Reddish Egret is an abundant resident of the Gulf States. It is common in 

 Florida and in Mexico, southward to the West Indies and Central America. The 

 bird called Peale's Egret* is supposed to be the white phase of A. rufa. The nesting 

 habits of the Reddish Egret are essentially the same as those of the Louisiana and 

 Snowy Herons. Mr. Stuart informs me that he has never found them very plentiful 

 along the Gulf coast of Florida, where they breed on the islands, placing the nest 

 on the mangrove bushes. The eggs are light bluish-green, elliptical in form; two to 

 four in number, and measure from 1.85 to 2.00 long by 1.40 to 1.50 broad. 



* Hypothetical List of the A. O.' U. Check List. 



