Birds of Celebes: Ardeidae. 
823 
The differences between Demiegretta and Ilerodias are, however, so far as 
is known small, and the very large percentage of albinos in the present species 
(Hume says — “I cannot recall ever seeing three or four ash-coloured Herons 
without seeing a white one somewhere near them” — in the Andamans) seems 
to rank them as intermediate between the white and some of the grey Herons. 
Probably enough (though it may be long ere mankind sees the proof of it) 
Demiegretta sacra will end by becoming a white Heron, at least in some localities, 
as Dr. Stejneger suggests (Jc3). 
The Reef Heron seems to be pre-eminently a bird of the sea-shore, and 
Gould found that it feeds on crabs and shelled molluscs. 
GENUS HERODIAS Boie. 
The Herons or Egrets of this genus are generally easily distinguishable 
from the other Herons by their enthely white plumage, and when in breeding- 
dress by the dorsal train of decomposed feathers, while other ornamental plumes 
are usually present on the jugulum or crest according to the species. The 
tomia are smooth or very little serrated; the tarsus transversely scaled in front, 
except near the foot. In Celebes the only Herons which could be mistaken 
for them are Bubulcus and the albinos of Demiegretta, the differences of which 
are shown in the following key. 
Key to the White Herons of Celebes. 
a Exposed culmen above 6 5 mm; hind toe and cla-w shorter than inner toe -without cla-w. 
a'. Size large, -wing 330— 400 mm Herodias alba. 
h'. Size smaller, -wing not exceeding 320 mm. 
b". Tarsus long, 95—120 mm. 
h'" Toes very long, mid. toe and claw about 90 mm, exceeding length of 
bill; bill slightly serrated towards tip, in winter yellow; no occipital 
H. intermedia. 
c'" Toes shorter, mid. toe and claw about 70 nun, not so long as the bill; 
bill not serrated, in winter black, almost as in breeding season; an 
occipital crest of two long feathers when in breeding plumage : H. garxetta. 
c". Tarsus short, 70—85 mm. 
d'". Size smaller, wing 230— 260 mm; first primary as long or longer than 
second and third; bill, legs and toes slenderer, breadth of claw of middle 
toe 2 mm ; in breeding season with a crest and jugular tuft of numerous 
lanceolate feathers, and long dorsal train of decomposed plumes; 
R. enlophotes. 
e'". Size larger, wing 260— 300 mm, first primary about 5 mm shorter than 
second and thu-d; bill, legs and toes stout, breadth of claw of middle 
toe 3 mm, lengthened dorsal feathers lanceolate, not decomposed; 
Demiegretta sacra (albino). 
b Exposed culmen under 65 mm; hind toe and claw equal to inner toe without claw: 
^ Bubulcus coromandus. 
