BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 143 



RECURVIROSTRID.E, — The Avosets and Stilts, 



The American Avoset (Recurvirostra Americana, Gui.) 

 may perhaps occur; no well-authenticated instance of its 

 capture in the State is on record. 



203. Himantopus nigricollis, Vieill. — Black-necked 

 Stilt, " Lawyer." Occasionally seen along the sandy beaches. 



Of this fact I am assured by gunners and others, who 

 have noticed it on account of its peculiarities, and ironi- 

 cally named it " Humility." 



AKDEID^E, — The Herons. 



204. Ardea herodias, Linn. — Great Blue Heron* 

 " Crane." Common summer resident. Probably breeds. 



205. Herodias egretta, Gray. — Great White Egret 

 Accidental. Two specimens in the Museum of Compara- 

 tive Zoology, taken at or near Hudson, by Mr. S. Jillson, 

 in the autumn of 1867; one or two other instances on 

 record of its capture in this section. 



A magnificent mature specimen is in the fine collection 

 of Mr. N. Vickery, which was shot at Lynn, near the rail- 

 road station. 



206. Garzetta candidissima, Bon. — Snowy Heron, 

 or Little White Egret Entirely accidental. "Have seen 

 one that was killed near Boston in 1862."* One other 

 instance of its capture is on record. This and the preced 

 ing are stragglers from the south. 



207. Florida caerulea, Baird. — Littlt Blue Heron, 

 Rare summer visitor. I have met with it but twice in 

 this section. A few other instances ol its capture are on 

 record. 



* J. A. Allen, " Proceedings of the Essex Institute," IV J«64 d 86 



