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A. Morrison—Supplement to “ The Genus Sporophila ”



The Black-crowned Night Heron


This interesting and peculiar Heron breeds and also winters

from the Gulf States southwards. It is commonly called the Qua

bird or the Squawk, because of its unpleasant note. In some localities

the Night Herons nest among the flags of large swamps, in other

localities they are very shy and retiring, nesting and roosting in the

tallest trees in dense woods in swamps near water courses.


The Night Herons nest in large colonies, and after sunset may be

seen flying to their feeding grounds. In some places the nests are built

(amongst thick growths of rushes) in company with the small Blue

Heron and Louisianian Heron; these nests are composed of old corn¬

stalks and rushes, placed on the tops of the broken-down tops of the

standing cane stalks.


American Egrets


In years that are past probably no species of bird has suffered more

from the depredations of the plume hunter than the Egrets. Now

that strict laws have been framed and provision made for their preser¬

vation, these birds are becoming as numerous as in former years.



SUPPLEMENT TO

“THE GENUS SPOROPHILA”


By Alastair Morrison

Spectacled Finch (S. ophthalmica)


This was described as a definite species in error. It is in reality

a very doubtful subspecies of Hick’s Finch, quite indistinguishable for

purposes of Aviculture. I do not personally believe that it is even a

valid subspecies.


Rufous-collared Finch (S. ruficollis)


Male .—Head grey, shading into brownish on the back ; throat and

upper breast dark chocolate brown ; rest of under parts and rump

brownish chestnut ; wing and tail feathers blackish with a white

speculum on the former ; bill and legs blackish.


In case it may be of interest, I append short descriptions of the

males of the five species mentioned by Russ, although there is no



