WHITE CROWNED HERON. 53 



Heron, by Catesby, inhabits the maritime parts of South 

 Carolina, Georgia and Louisiana, during the summer season. 

 Individuals are also seen as far north as Virginia, and even 

 occasionally in the vicinity of Philadelphia. They are also 

 resident in the Bahama Islands, where they breed, in great 

 numbers, and the young are sought after as a delicate kind 

 of game. In the United States, the species is not numerous; 

 and after the manner of the Night Heron, they repose during 

 the day in low swampy woods, and sally out to feed only at 

 twilight. They breed in companies, making their nests of 

 sticks, in the branches of low trees, and lay four pale blue 

 eggs. Their food, as usual, consists of fish fry, lizards and 

 crabs, of which last they are very fond and make great 

 destruction. 



This species is about 22 inches in length ; alar extent 34. Bill 

 black, about 4 inches long. Lores pale green. Irids orange red. 

 Head, and part of the neck black, marked on each cheek ^YitIl an 

 oblong spot of white. Crested crown and upper part of the head 

 white ; the 2 long occipital feathers white, beneath these are a few 

 others of a blackish color. Upper parts a dark ash, each feather 

 centred with black and edged with white. Primaries dusky, edged 

 with white. Long dorsal train feathers ash, streaked broadly down 

 the centre with black, extending 4 or more inches beyond the wings. 

 Legs and feet yellow ; middle claw pectinated. 



5* 



