HERONS 77 



General habits. — This race does not differ in habits from 

 the northern form. The birds feed extensively on the coast 

 marshes, their long legs and bodies enabling them to stand 

 even in tall reeds and still keep a lookout for danger. They 

 feed, also, on the outer beaches ; in Bon Secour River, in Octo- 

 ber, I saw many sitting on rafts watching for their finny prey. 

 It is of course impossible to approach anywhere near one in 

 the open, but by quietly pushing a boat through the tortuous 

 bayous on the marshes, many may be flushed at very close 

 range. 



EGRET; "WHITE CRANE:" Casmerodius alba egretta 



(Gmelin).t 



State records. — The large white egret, commonly but er- 

 roneously called "white crane," was once an abundant bir<^ 

 in all the Southern States, but has been almost exterminated! 

 through the demands of the millinery trade. No breeding: 

 colonies are at present known in Alabama, but they undoubted- 

 ly occurred in former times. Dr. Avery records one specimen; 

 taken near Greensboro, August 14, 1889, and mentions seeing 

 two others in spring.* McCormack records it as quite com- 

 mon near Leighton, and his notes show that he observed eight 

 herons on July 9, and four on July 23, 1889; these records' 

 do not necessarily indicate, however, that the birds were- 

 breeding, as this and other species of heron are well known tO; 

 wander northward after their nesting season is over. 



At Stiggins Lake, near Mount Vernon, May 27, 1914, we 

 noted three egrets in flocks of the little blue heron (Florida- 

 cservlea) and secured one specimen. These birds must have"^^ 

 been breeding in the near vicinity, but the colony was not 

 located. With proper protection, this attractive species may 

 yet become re-established in the State. 



General habits. — This egret nests in colonies, usually ini 

 heavily timbered swamps, and often in company with great 

 blue herons, cormorants, anhingas, or other species. The 

 birds feed in marshes and on the borders of ponds, lakes, or 



^Herodias egntia of the A. O. U. Check-list; for change of name see The Auk, vol.. 

 37, p. 442, 1920. 



*Ainer. Field, vol. 34, p. 584, 1890. 



