191. lxobrychus exilis. 13 in.

Male with the crown and back glossy black; female with these areas hair-brown, and streaked with brown below. These diminutive little bitterns are very shy and retiring, and seldom seen away from the reed grown marshes or ponds that they frequent.

Notes. - A hoarse croak, and a softly repeated "coo."

Nest. - A platform of dead rushes twisted about the living stalks. The 3 or 4 eggs are pale bluish white. (1.2 x.9); May, June.

Range. - Breeds from the Gulf States, locally to Southern Canada; winters from the Gulf States southward.