ki-;y to the water bird.'- 



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. 



^>k 



\ 



."Vrdea tricolor ruficollis 



Is common in the Gulf State.s, 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 ri\e, pale blue in color. 



