ii2 CHECK LIST OF THE 



bill appearing to run directly to the eyes, rest of head feathered ; parts 

 of the body with "powder-down tracts" — strips of short, dusty, or 

 greasy down-like feathers — usually three pairs of these strips, i.e., on 

 the back above the hips, on the belly under the hips and on the breast ; 

 usually long plumes from the back of head in the breeding season. 

 Wings broad. Tail very short. Tibiae largely naked below ; toes long 

 and slender, hind toe on a level with the rest, its claw longer than middle 

 claw; middle claw pectinate. Wading birds, feeding on fishes, frogs 

 and any animal small enough for them to swallow. 



Subfamily BOTAURIN^. (Bitterns.) 



Genus BOTAURUS. 



(190) American Bittern. 



(Botaurus lentiginosus.) 



A common summer resident, breeding throughout its range in the 

 Province. 



Arrives about the middle of April, departs about the middle of 

 October. 



Genus ARDETTA. 



(191) Least Bittern. 



(Ardetta exilis.) 



An abundant summer resident of the larger marshes of southern 

 Ontario, breeding throughout its range. 



Arrives about the middle of May and leaves early in September. 



(191. i) Cory's Least Bittern. 



(.Ardetta neoxena.) 

 This species seems now to be a regular though very rare summer 

 visitor to the marsh near Toronto. During the last few yeas over a 

 dozen specimens have been taken there. I have not heard of its capture 

 in any other part of the Province. 



Subfamily ARDEIN^. (Herons.) 



Genus ARDEA. 



(194) Great Blue Heron. 



(Ardea herodias.) 



A common summer resident, breeding in communities in the interior 

 of the Province. 



Arrives early in April, departs about the middle of September. 



