HERONS 



(198) Dichromanassa rufescens 



[Giiiel.] (Gr., twice, color (referring to 

 tile two color piloses); Lat., reddish). 



REDDISH EGRET, ^i^,— Dark 

 phase as shown; with lengthened 

 feathers on the head and breast and 

 phimeson the back. The hght phase 

 is entirely white, except usually for 

 some mottling on the primaries. 

 Im. — Plain grayish, with some rusty 

 touches and without plumes. L., 

 30.00; W., 13.00; T., 4.50; Tar., 

 3.50; B., 4.00. Ncsl — A platform 

 of sticks; in colonies usually with 

 other species; three to five greenish- 

 blue eggs, 1. 90.x 1.45. 



Range — Breeds from the Gulf 

 States southward. Casual in south- 

 ern 111. and Col. 



Egret has about an equal number of shorter ones with the 

 ends recurved. These plumes are present only for a few 

 months; before the breeding season they are undeveloped 

 and lack firmness, while after nesting has finished they are 

 much worn and frayed. Both species may be found nesting 

 together in company with other small herons. The larger 

 egret is the more shy and usually builds its larger nest a 

 little higher than the smaller species. 



REDDISH EGRETS also bear plumes which, fortunately 

 for the birds, are comparatively homely both in color and 

 texture. Consecjuently this species is nearly as abundant 

 now as it was years ago. Of course ad\-ancing civilization 

 is driving them farther and farther into the wildernesses, 

 whither we must go if we expect to see them. This species is 

 dichromatic — that is, it has two color phases: the dark 

 phase, which is the most common, is shown in our illustra- 

 tion; in the light phase the plumage is entirely white, but 

 easily distinguishable from the other egrets by the lengthened 

 feathers on the head and breast and the straight plumes on 



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