116 



NESTB AIID EGOS OF 



4 * European Great White Egret, Herodias alba. 



From Brehm.) 



of South America, the West Indies, Mexico and Central America. It is called Little 

 White Egret, and is doubtless the handsomest bird of this tribe. Pure white, with 

 crest composed of numerous elongated, halr-liEe feathers; similar plume on the 

 lower neck; the same on the back which extends beyond the tail and are recurved 

 when perfect. See fig. of the European Little White Egret, (?. nivea. 

 In Texas, Mr. Rachford says, this species nests in colonies, usually 

 prefering willow bushes in the marshes for this purpose. The breeding season is 

 from the latter part of April to the middle of June. Mr. Stuart mentions it as 

 abundant along the Gulf coast of Florida, where it breeds on the mangrove Islands, 

 and in the interior in tjie willow ponds and swamps generally in company with the 

 Louisiana and Little Blue Herons. The nest is simply a platform of sticks. The eggs 



