





,1 '=hJPr? '^^ 



GREEN HERON. 



(Ardea virescens, Lin. Wilson, vii. p. 97. pi. 61. fig. 1. Phil. Mu- 

 seum, No. 3797.) 



Sp. Charact. — Crested; dark glossy green; neck and breast dark 

 vinaceous red ; a line from the cliin down the throat, white, with 



dusky streaks. ^dult having the back ornamented with long 



tapering feathers. — The young much less brilliant, and destitute 

 of the dorsal train. 



The Green Bittern, known in many parts much better 

 by a contemptible and disgusting name, is the most common 

 and familiar species of the genus in the United States. 

 Early in April, or as soon as the marshes are so far thawed 

 as to afford them the means of subsistence, they arrive in 

 Pennsylvania, and soon after are seen in New England, but 



