220 NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS. 



THE GREAT WHITE HERON. 



Ardea leuce. 

 plate lxxxi. fig. 186. 



threat While Heron. Pennant, Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. -145i. 



ArdtaegjeUa. Wilson, Am Om. Vol.7, p. 106, pi 61, fig. 4. 



A Imce, Illioer. A. alba, Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. i\. Y. Vol. ?, p. 304. 



A.egrtlta. I30NAPAK1E. Am. Om. Vol.4, p 97. Nuttai.l, Man. Orn. Vol. 2, p 47. 



A. id. Audubon, 13. of A. Vol. 0, p. 132, pi. 370. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p. 288. 



Characteristics. Snowy white. Bill yellow ; legs black : no crest. Long pendant plumes 

 on the back, extending over the tail. Young, without the pendant 

 plumes. Length, 40*0. 



Description. Characters sufficiently detailed in the specific phrase. The general snowy 

 whiteness is frequently found to have a tinge of yellow. The highly prized dorsal train dis- 

 appears after incubation, and, according to Mr. Audubon, reappears in all its graceful length 

 in the spring. 



Length, 400-4S-0. Alar extent, 60 >0. 



This showy species inhabits from the equator to 43° north ; this State being its northern 

 boundary. Jt breeds in the adjoining State of New- Jersey, and may probably do so in this 

 State. They reach us about the middle of May, and leave for the south early in the autumn. 

 Their food consists of frogs, salamanders, mice, moles, snakes, etc. Eggs two or three, 

 pale blue. It has hitherto been confounded with the A. alba of Europe, to which it ia 

 closely allied. 



