LOUISIANA HERON 



199. Hydranassa tricolor ruficollis. 26 in. 



In breeding plumage, with short plumes on the back, 

 extending three or four inches beyond the tips of the 

 wings. Throat, front line of neck, and underparts 

 white; head and neck reddish-purple; back and wings 

 slaty; crest whitish; bill and legs dark; eyes red. A 

 very abundant species throughout the year, on the Gulf 

 coast of the United States. Their bearing is one of 

 self-esteem and their walk slow and stately; they are 

 often called " Lady of the Waters," because of the im- 

 posing picture that they make. They are very sociable, 

 rarely quarrel among themselves, and are usually found 

 in company with Little Blue Herons and Egrets. 



Nest. They nest in communities in mangroves in 

 southern Florida and in swamps, in company with many 

 other species, in the northern portions of their range. 

 Their nesting habits and eggs are the same as those of 

 the Snowy Heron. 



Range. Breeds and is resident in the South Atlantic 

 and Gulf States. 



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