53 WADING BIRDS. 



with those of the Blue Heron. It is very quick in its move- 

 ments, and alert in the capture of its prey, which consists 

 of fish, frogs, lizards, and various aquatic insects. 



Length of the species from the bill to the end of the tail about 23 

 inches. Bill 5 inches long, very sharp, yellowish-green at base, and 

 black towards the point, Irids yellow. Chin and throat white, dotted 

 with brown and some greyish blue. The neck light vinous purple. 

 Crest formed of a number of long narrow purple feathers, beneath 

 which arise 7 or 8 very long white and pendent ones. Upper part of 

 the back and wings light slate color ; lower part of the back and rump 

 beneath the dorsal train white. The train of a soiled purplish brown 

 at the base, becoming cream color towards the extremities. Tail 

 slate colored, even ; legs, and naked thighs greenish yellow ; the 

 middle claw pectinated; below pure white. 



Subgenus. Botaurus. (JBonap.) 



In these Herons the bill is scarcely longer than the head, much 

 compressed and higher than broad ; the upper mandible is likewise 

 sensibly curved. Legs comparatively short; a small naked space 

 above the tibiae. The neck rather short, and densely covered with 

 long loose feathers, capable of voluntary erection. — Chiefly noc- 

 turnal. Living as usual with the preceding in retired marshes and 

 dark swamps ; feeding more on reptiles and insects than on fish. 



t Mult, during the nuptial season, %cith a few, long, and, narrow, 

 tapering occipital feathers. 



WHITE CROWNED HERON. 



(Ardea violacea, Lin. Wilson, viii. p. 26. pi. 65. fig. 1. [adult.] Phil. 



Museum, 3738.) 



Sp. Charact. — Crested; ash color, paler below ; upper parts streak- 

 ed with black ; dorsal train of long, loosely webbed tapering 

 feathers; the crown and spot on each cheek, white; two occipital 

 feathers. 



This species, erroneously called the Yellow Crowned 



