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_, 24-1/2, 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.