GREAT EGRET HERON. 
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tapering shafts, arising from the lower part of the shoulders, and 
thinly furnished on each side with fine flowing hair-like threads, of 
several inches in length, covering the lower part of the back, and 
falling gracefully over the tail, which it entirely conceals. The 
whole plumage is of a snowy whiteness, except the train, which 
is slightly tinged with yellow. The bill is nearly six inches in 
length, of a rich orange yellow, tipt with black; irides a paler 
orange, pupil small, giving the bird a sharp and piercing aspect; 
the legs are long, stout, and of a black color, as is the bare space 
of four inches above the knee ; the span of the foot measures up- 
wards of six inches; the inner edge of the middle claw is pecti- 
nated ; the exterior and middle toes are united at the base for about 
half an inch, by a membrane. 
The articulations of the vertebrae are remarkably long ; the 
intestines measure upwards of eight feet, and are very narrow. The 
male and female are alike in plumage ; both, when of full age, hav- 
ing the train equally long. 
Naturalists represent the Great White Heron of Europe as 
having a slight hanging crest on the head. The present species is 
destitute of an occipital crest ; and, in the adult stale, has black 
legs. It should seem, therefore, that the American bird is a spe- 
cies distinct from that of Europe. 
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