Dr. Such's Descriptions fffttsw Brazilian Birds. 117 



Old. Grallatores. III. 

 Fam. AuDEiD^. Leach. 

 Gen. Ardka. Linn. 



F ASCI ATA. ^. brunnescenli-Mgra, /errugineo-fasciata, capitis 

 vertice, caudd, remigibusquc nigris, his apice albis^ gula 

 line dque pector all albis, hdcferrugineo-variegatd, ubdomine 

 rufo. 

 j^lula, pteromaiaque nigro-fuscae, apitje fascia angusta, alba, 

 inargiaatae. Tec^re'ce* inferiores albae, fu«co-variegata}. Rectrices 

 supra nigrae, subtus fusca>, duabus medSis apice albo-maculatis, 

 caeteris apice fascia perangusta alba marginatis. ylbdominis iatera, 

 uropygium^ crissumqae cineraceo-fuscaj hoc albo-variegato. Ros- 

 trum nigrum. Pedes subflavescentes. Longitudo cotporis^ 2 

 Pedes, 4 I Unc. ; ros/n ad frontem, 3^*^; ad rictum, 4|; aim 

 a carpo ad remigem 3^^"", 12 |; caiida; 5; tarsi, 3i; digiti 

 medii, 2 ^. 



From the confusion which has hitherto existed in the extensive 

 Linnean group of Ardea in consequence of the great variation 

 that takes place in the birds of that genus duiing their different 

 stages of growth, I cannot speak with confidence as to tbis bird 

 being a distinct species from some of those already described. 

 It comes in among the group which is familiarly known by the 

 denomination of Tiger Bitterns, all of which are assimilated by 

 the markings of their plumage, which bear a general resemblance 

 to the spots and stri(B of the animal whence they derive their trivial 

 name : and it may possibly prove to be but a variety of a known 

 species in a group where all are so much alike. I find however 

 no description or representation which exactly corresponds with 

 it ; the black head in particular and rufous abdomen o^Qv'mg very 

 distinguishing characters. I consider myself therefore justified 

 in keeping it apart, and designating it as a distinct species, at 

 least until the whole group is more accurately defined. I hope to 

 make some decisive observations on these Tiger Bitterns during 

 my ensuing researches in Brazil, which seems to be the chief 

 habitat of these birds. Hitherto I have seen but one specimen 

 of the bird before us. 



