ARDEID^ — THE HERONS — FLORIDA. 47 



there in rapid succession. When it has obtained enough, it retires to some quiet 

 retreat, and there remains in repose until its hunger returns. In this state it is 

 usually well on its guard against the approach of danger. Just before sunset it may 

 always be seen again searching for food. When satisfied, it usually rises to the 

 height of fifty or sixty yards in the air, and then flies in a straight line to its roost- 

 ing-place. Very few were seen on the St. John in the winter, but on several occa- 

 sions some were met with on small ponds in the pine-barrens, attracted there by the 

 large number of frogs. Its flight is said to be very similar to that of the ludoviciana. 

 When just about to alight, it descends with circular sailing, but otherwise flies, with 

 constant flappings, in a direct line ; during adverse winds it flies very low. Except 

 when breeding, it is very shy and vigilant; but when engaged in incubation it 

 appears to lay aside all its usual watchfulness. 



Mr. Audubon regarded it as strictly diurnal in its habits. Mr. Moore is very 

 positive that the statement made by Mr. Audubon in reference to the habits of this 

 bird — namely, that where fish are plentiful on the shallows near the shore it will run 

 briskly through the water, striking here and there, capturing several in succession 

 — is very incorrect as applied to this bird, though true of the ludoviciana, the candi- 

 dissima, and the rufa. It is not known even when very young, at an age when 

 all birds are rather impetuous feeders, to run, or even walk briskly through the 

 water; it never forgets to move slowly. Such acts of indiscretion and greediness 

 have never been detected in the manners or motions of this Heron, Only when 

 suddenly alarmed will it lay aside its calm and dignified demeanor, and then mani- 

 fest the utmost confusion, awkAvardness, and embarrassment. 



This species is more disposed to fly about, with its neck stretched forward to its 

 full length, using it as a front rudder to assist its legs — the true rudder — in guiding 

 its course. This Heron is not a scraper or raker; and although it often feeds in 

 close proximity to the candidissima, does not, so far as known, imitate its manner 

 of procuring food. 



In Florida it breeds as early as the first of March — a full month earlier than in 

 Louisiana, and two months sooner than in New Jersey. In the Florida Keys it 

 places its nest upon the tops of the tangled cactus ; in Louisiana, on low bushes of 

 the water-willow ; and in its more northern abodes, on the to2:)S of cedars. Wherever 

 found, it is almost always sure to be in company with other species. The heronries 

 in the southern portions of the country are often of astonishing size. The nest, in 

 whatever situation it may be placed, is always formed of dry sticks intermixed with 

 the leaves of various trees, grass, or moss. It is nearly flat, and without regular 

 lining. In Florida, the number of eggs is three, rarely four, and never five, and 

 their average size is said to be 1.75 inches in length by 1.25 in breadth. They are 

 about the size of the eggs of the candidissima, and of the same color, but are more 

 elongated. 



Two eggs of this bird (jSTo. 117), taken by Dr. Bachman from a nest near Charles- 

 ton, S. C, measure, one 1.80 inches in length by 1.20 in breadth, the other 1.81 

 inches by 1.30. They are of an elongated oval shape, more so than those of any other 

 Herons, and the greenish tinge of Prussian blue with which they are uniformly 

 washed is also deeper than is usual in the egg of a Heron. 



Mr. Moore states that at Sarasota Bay the eggs of this species are laid from April 

 10th to May loth — not agreeing with IMr. Audubon in point of time. 



