Resident on the Florida Keys, and in Galveston Bay. Never seen inland. Extremely abundant.
Ardea rufescens, Gmel. Syst. Nat. v. i. p. 628.
Peale's Egret Heron, Ardea Pealii, Bonap. Amer. Orn. v. iv. p. 96. Young.
Peak's Egret, Nutt. Man. v. ii. p. 49. Young.
Reddish Egret, Ardea rufescens, Aud. Orn. Biog. v. iii. p. 411; v. v. p. 604.
374. 10. Ardea cœrulea, Linn. Blue Heron.
Plate CCCVII. Male and Young.
Feathers of the upper and hind part of the head very long and linear; of the middle of the back extremely long, linear-acuminate, compact, their tips extending about five inches beyond the tail; bill blue; feet black; plumage of head and neck vinaceous purple, of the other parts deep greyish-blue. Young with the plumage white, becoming patched with blue as they advance in age.
Male, 241/2, 42.
Resident in Florida and Texas, where it breeds. In spring migrates as far as Long Island; up the Mississippi to a hundred miles above Natchez. Never seen far inland.
Blue Heron, Ardea cœrulea, Wils. Amer. Orn. v. vii. p. 117.
Ardea cœrulea, Bonap. Syn. p. 300.
Blue Heron, Nutt. Man. v. ii. p. 58.
Blue Heron, Ardea cœrulea, Aud. Orn. Biog. v. iv. p. 58.
375. 11. Ardea Ludoviciana, Wils. Louisiana Heron.
Plate CCXVII. Male.