CLASS AVES. 



145 



search of worms and small insects.* The Wood Ibis has 

 a strong bill, with which it strikes the fish, frogs, young 

 alligators, and snakes, that come to the surface on being 

 disturbed by the bird's movements in the water.f 



FIG. 347. 



Fio. 248. 



Tan' talus loc u la' tot: Wood Iliis. ( T V) Ar'dea herod'ias. Great Blue Heron, (i.) 



The Great Blue Heron has a sharply-pointed, stout, 

 conical-shaped bill, with which it pierces its prey as it 

 approaches within length of its neck, while standing for 

 hours on a hillock in motionless watchfulness. It is sub- 

 ject to great variations in plumage and measurements, 

 and three species have probably been named for one. 



* The Sacred Ibis (/. religid'sa) was venerated by the ancient Egyptians, 

 probably because it rid them of serpents, the skins and scales of which have been 

 found in the Ibis mummies. Some think, however, that the reason of this wor- 

 ship was merely because the coming of the bird was simultaneoiis with the 

 annual overflow of the Nile, and hence symbolical of fertility. Whoever killed 

 an Ibis, was mobbed while the dead bird was embalmed. The Ibis multiplied in 

 consequence to such an extent as to impede travel in the streets. The affection 

 of the bird for Egypt was so great that, according to Acteon (ak te' on), when 

 taken away it died of home-sickness. But now, being killed and eaten by the 

 modern inhabitants, who have abandoned the faith of their fathers, it has 

 almost deserted the country. FIGUIER. 



t When a sufficient number of its victims lie floating around, it gorges itself, 

 often leaving many untouched, and then, stationed on the margin of the stream, 

 patiently awaits the process of digestion. 



