(SNOWY EGRET.)
+Ardea candidissima+, _Scl. et Salv. Nomencl._ p. 125; _Durnford,
Ibis_, 1877, p. 189 (Buenos Ayres); _Gibson, Ibis_, 1880, p. 158
(Buenos Ayres); _Barrows, Auk_, 1884, p. 271 (Entrerios).
+Garzetta candidissima+, _Baird, Brew., et Ridgw. Water-B. N. A._
i. p. 28. +Ardea nivea+, _Burm. La-Plata Reise_, ii. p. 509.
_Description._--White above and beneath; adult with a long occipital
crest of decomposed feathers and dorsal plumes lengthened; lores
and toes yellow; bill black, yellow at base; legs black, behind
yellowish at the lower part: whole length 24·0 inches, wing 9·5,
tail 4·0. _Female_ similar.
_Hab._ North and South America.
The Snowy Egret is common on the pampas, and throughout all the warm
portions of North and South America; but does not range so far south as
_Ardea egretta_. It is a very pretty bird in its dazzling white plumage,
and is more active and social in its habits than most Herons, being
usually seen in small flocks, and often associates with Ibises and other
aquatic species. An account of its breeding-habits has already been
given.