Birds of Celebes: Ardeidae. 823 



The differences between Demiegretta and Herodias are, however, so far as 

 is known small, and the very large percentage of albinos in the present species 

 (Hume says — "I cannot recall ever seeing three or four ash-coloured Herons 

 without seeing a white one somewhere near them" — in the Andamans) seems 

 to rank them as intermediate between the white and some of the grey Herons. 

 Probably enough (though it may be long ere mankind sees the proof of it) 

 Demiegretta sacra will end by becoming a white Heron, at least in some localities, 

 as Dr. Stejneger suggests (k3). 



The Reef Heron seems to be pre-eminently a bird of the sea-shore, and 

 Gould found that it feeds on crabs and shelled molluscs. 



GENUS HERODIAS Boie. 



The Herons or Egrets of this genus are generally easily distinguishable 

 from the other Herons by their entirely white plumage, and when in breeding- 

 dress by the dorsal train of decomiiosed feathers, while other ornamental plumes 

 are usually present on the jugulum or crest according to the species. The 

 tomia are smooth or very little serrated; the tarsus transversely scaled in front, 

 except near the foot. In Celebes the only Herons which could be mistaken 

 for them are Buhulciis and the albinos of Demiegretta, the differences of which 

 are shown in the following key. 



Key to the White Herons of Celebes. 



a. Exposed ciilmen above 65 mm; hind toe and claw shorter than inner toe without daw. 



a'. Size large, wing 330 — 400 mm Herodias nlba. 



h'. Size smaller, wing not exceedmg 320 mm. 

 b". Tarsus long, 95—120 mm. 



h'". Toes very long, mid. toe and claw about 90 mm, exceeding length of 

 bill; bill slightly serrated towards tip, in winter yellow; no occipital 



crest H. intermedia. 



d" . Toes shorter, mid. toe and claw about 70 mm, not so long as the bill; 

 bill not serrated, in winter black, almost as in breeding season; an 

 occipital crest of two long feathers when in breeding plumage : H. garx,etta. 



c". Tarsus short, 70 — 85 mm. 



d'". Size smaller, wing 230— 260 mm; first primary as long or longer than 

 second and third ; bill, legs and toes slenderer, breadth of claw of middle 

 toe 2 mm ; in breeding season with a crest and jugular tuft of numerous 

 lanceolate feathers, and long dorsal train of decomposed plimies: 



H. eulophotes. 



e'". Size larger, wing 260 — 300 mm, first lorimary about 5 mm shorter than 

 second and thii-d; bill, legs and toes stout, breadth of claw of middle 

 toe 3 mm, lengthened dorsal feathers lanceolate, not decomposed: 



Demiegretta sacra (albino). 



b. Exposed culmen under 65 mm; hind toe and claw equal to inner toe without claw: 



Bubulcus cm'omandus. 



