9S BIRDS 



THE SNOWY HERON* 



Temperate and tropical America, from Long Island to 

 Oregon, south to Buenos Ayres, may be considered the 

 home of the Snowy Heron, though it is sometimes seen on 

 the Atlantic Coast as far as Xora Scotia. It is supposed 

 to be an occasional summer resident as far north as Long 

 Island, and it is found along the entire Gulf Coast and the 

 shores of both oceans. It is called the Little White Egret, 

 and is no doubt tl^ handsomest bird of the tribe. It is 

 pure white, with a crest composed of many long, hair-like 

 feathers, a hke plume on the lower neck, and the same on 

 the back, which are recurved when perfect. 



Snowy herons nest in colonies, preferring willow bushes 

 in the marshes for this purpose. The nest is made in the 

 latter part of April or early June. Along the Gulf Coast 

 of Florida they nest on the 3Iangrove Islands, and in the 

 interior in the willow ponds and swamps, in company with 

 the Louisiana and Little Blue herons. The nest is simply a 

 platform of sticks, and from two to five eggs are laid. 



Alas I plume hunters hare wrought such destruction to 

 these lovely birds that very few are now found in the old 

 nesting-places. Thev will soon become extinct tmless the 

 barbarous practice of wearing feathers be stopped. 



The little egret moves through the air with a noble and 

 rapid fli^t. It is curious to see it pass directly overhead. 

 The head, body, and legs are held in line, stiff and immov- 

 able, and the gently waving wings carry the bird along with 

 a rapidity that seems the effect of magic. 



