FAMILY ARDEIDiE. HERONS, EGRETS, AND JUTTERNS. 89 



FAMILY ARDEID^E. 

 Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns. 



Bill, nearly straight and sharply pointed ; inner side of middle toe nail, 

 with distinct comb-like edge ; toes, four, all on same level. Bitterns, tail 

 with ten feathers. Herons, tail with twelve feathers. 



* Group 1. Wing, less tlian 6 inches long. 



Leat-t Ilittern. 



Uaderpai-ts aud sides of the head and throat, buff white; u black patch on sides of 

 the l)reast. Ardatta exiUs. Least Bittern. 



See No. 146. 



Uuderparts aud sides of the head and throat, rufous chestnut; under tail coverts, 

 dull black. Ardetki nciui'iin. Cory's Least Bittern. 



.See No. 147. 



* For directions I'or measurement, see page 9. 



