307 
of the United States . 
Inhabits common in the south and south-western states : 
wintering in tropical America : migrates in spring throughout 
the union ; rare in the middle, and especially the northern 
states. 
ff JVo long occipital feathers. 
224. Ardea minor, Wils. Yellowish-ferruginous, mottled and 
sprinkled with deep brown ; throat white, streaked with 
brownish ; crow n, a wide patch each side of the neck, and 
quill feathers, plain black. 
Young, colors less decided. 
American Bittern , Ardea minor , Wils. Am. Orn. vii . p. 35 . 
pi. 65. fig. 3. adult. 
Inhabits throughout North America, leaving cold regions 
during winter. Closely allied to Ardea stellaris of Europe. 
235. Ardea vtrescens, L. Crested ; glossy green ; neck and 
breast dark vinaceous ; a line from the chin down the throat, 
white streaked with blackish. 
Adult, back with long tapering pointed feathers. 
Young much less brilliant, destitute of the dorsal train. 
Green Heron , Ardea virescens , Wils. Am. Orn. vii. p. 97. 
pi. 61 .fig. 1. 
Inhabits throughout North America during the fine season z 
common: some wintering in the southern states. Found also 
in the Island of Java I 
SUBGEJVUS III. ARDEOLA. 
Bill longer than the head, higher than broad at base; 
upper mandible nearly straight. Neck elongated, rather 
slender, thickly covered with long, broad, loose, erectile 
feathers, merely downy alone : body slender, much compres- 
sed. Legs comparatively short: tibiae wholly feathered: 
membrane uniting the toes merely rudimental. 
Female somew'hat differing from the male. Young differ- 
ing from both. Smallest of the genus. 
