HERONS 



(199) Hydranassa tricolor rufi= 

 collis 



(Gossc) {Gr., water, a queen; Lat., three- 

 colored; rufous-necked). 



LOUISIANA HERON. A tall, 

 slender and stately species. Iris red. 

 Bill and legs blackish-blue. Ads. 

 — Plumage in summer as shown; 

 back plumes extending httle if any 

 beyond the tail; rump white; long- 

 est crest feathers' white. Iiii. — Neck, 

 back and wings brownish; under 

 parts and line down front of neck 

 white. L., 26.00; W., 10.00; Tar., 

 4.00; B., 4.50. Nest — Of sticks, 

 in mangroves or other bushes, in 

 colonies; three to five pale greenish- 

 blue eggs, 1.7s X 1.35. 



Range — Breeds from N. Car. and 

 the Gulf States southward. Casual 

 north to Long Island. 



the back. As usual with Southern herons, this species is 

 very gregarious at all times of the year. 



LOUISIANA HERONS and LITTLE BLUE HERONS 

 may well be considered together in a book since they are 

 nearly always associated in life. They are the most abun- 

 dant of Southern herons and, of course, are highly gregarious. 

 All Southern rookeries are similar in character, surround- 

 ings, and in the inhabitants, yet, so great is their fascination, 

 a bird lover is never satisfied with his first exploration of one. 

 He is always longing and planning for a return visit to the 

 same or other rookeries. 



Most rookeries are so located that they can be reached 

 only by hours or even days of wearisome toiling through bogs, 

 jungles, saw-grass, etc., obstacles often requiring skilful 

 wielding of the hatchet or machete, to penetrate. What a 

 sight greets the eyes of the naturalist as, the last barrier 

 broken down, he stands on the edge of the mangrove-fringed 

 bayou. Everywhere are Louisiana Herons, "Loosies, " as 

 the guide calls them, "Little Blues, " and "White Curlews, " 



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