SNOWY HERON. 321 



and especially of the lower part of the neck, also much elongated ; of the 

 middle of the back very long, loose, and hanging over the sides and rump, 

 but with their extremities recurved. Wings of moderate length ; pri- 

 maries tapering and rounded, the third longest, the second very little 

 shorter, first and fourth about equal ; secondaries broad and rounded, 

 some of the inner as long as the longest primaries, when the wing is closed. 

 Tail very short, small, slightly rounded, of twelve rather weak feathers. 



Bill black, the bare space at its base yellow. Iris and edges of eye- 

 lids yellow. Tibia and tarsus black, the lower part of the latter behind 

 and the toes bright yellow ; claws bluish black. The plumage is pure 

 white. 



Length to end of tail 22| inches, to end of wings 23, to end of claws 

 30| ; extent of wings 38 ; wing from flexure 10| ; tail 3 ; loose feathers 

 1^ beyond the tail ; bill along the ridge 3^^^ ; along the edge of lower 

 mandible 3| ; bare part of tibia 2| ; tarsus 3xj ; middle toe 2|, its claw 

 ^\. Weight 12 oz. 



