HERONS 79 



nested abundantly about 1893 in a cypress swamp near the 

 junction of the Alabama and Tombigbee Rivers, as well as in 

 the swamps on Petit Bois Island. 



General habits. — The snowy egret breeds in colonies, often 

 in company with other species of herons, placing its nests in 

 low trees or bushes. It is found in flocks throughout most of 

 the year, and feeds usually in shallow, muddy sloughs. 



LOUISIANA HERON: Hydranassa tricolor rufieolUs 



(Gosse) . 



State records. — The Louisiana heron is a moderately com- 

 mon summer resident in the southern part of Alabama, A 

 colony of 50 pairs, or more, nests in the bushy swamps on 

 Petit Bois Island, and during the summer the birds are fairly 

 numerous also on the west end of Dauphin Island. I observed 

 them flying about on both islands July 4 to 6, 1913, but did 

 not collect any specimens. They are said to breed also on 

 Coffee Island, near Coden. Outsell records the species in 

 small numbers at. Bayou Labatre late in July and early in 

 August (1911), where they became common after a "blow" 

 on August 12. He took a specimen on Petit Bois Island, 

 July 28, and saw a few about Perdido Bay in September, 1911. 

 Peters took two specimens at Alabama Port, May 30 and 

 June 6, 1914. L. S. Golsan reports the bird as a rare breeder 

 at Autaugaville, frequently seen in the marshes near the Ala- 

 bama River from middle April till fall. 



This heron migrates in autumn to Central America, but a 

 few probably remain all winter in southern Alabama. I saw 

 a flock of about 8 on a march in Grand Bay, November 16 

 (1915), and a few on Coffee Island, November 20 (1915), 

 and December 4 (1916) . 



General habits. — The Louisiana heron is found chiefly about 

 open marshes, nesting in low trees or bushes, either in segre- 

 gated colonies or in company with other larger species of 

 herons. It feeds in shallow ponds or bayous and along the 

 banks or ditches or creeks, and is not at all shy. According 

 to Audubon, its apparent insensibility to danger has secured 

 for it in southern Louisiana the name of "egrette folle." 



