364 BIRDS OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



imperfect ; but the sense of hearing is so quick, that it is very 

 difficult to approach them. They have a strong and steady 

 flight, and seldom alight on the ground, without first resting on 

 the neighboring trees to examine the spot. On the ground it 

 walks stooping, and is constantly moving about in search of 

 food, which consists of frogs, tadpoles, water insects, and fish, 

 which it wades deep in the water to procure. When satiated 

 it retires to a tree or a swamp, and there reposes on one leg, 

 but starts from its slumber on the least alarm. When taken, 

 it defends itself with its bill, but sometimes uses its claws with 

 serious effect, making a rough and angry sound, and constantly 

 attempting to escape. 



The nest is formed of sticks arranged on each other so care- 

 lessly, that it is sometimes overset by the young. The eggs 

 are four in number, of a light sea green. The young remain a 

 long time in the nest ; as soon as they are able, they climb to 

 the tops of the trees, and there wait to be fed. Their flesh is 

 said to be as good as that of the pigeon. They undergo three 

 annual changes of plumage before they reach their mature 

 state. 



The American Bittern, Ardea minor, sometimes called the 

 Night Hen, from its nocturnal habits, is a retired bird, which 

 remains hidden in the reeds and sedge throughout the day, 

 never leaving its retreat, except in cases of alarm. It then flies 

 off with a hollow cry, and as its motions are heavy, it is easily 

 brought down. They feed mostly in the night, and it is in the 

 dusk of morning and evening that their booming note is usually 

 heard. They breed in the northern regions, where their nests 

 are made in swamps among the coarse grass ; the eggs are four, 

 of a green color. They also breed in this State. 



The Green Heron, Ardea virescens, is better known than 

 any other of the tribe, and, without any reason, is held in gen- 

 eral contempt. He cares very little, however, for the scorn or 

 favor of man, and neither seeks nor fears his society. He pre- 

 fers the solitude of swamps and marshes, where he can associ- 



