NON-INDIGENOUS BRITISH BIRDS. 211 



known, and the evidence for Its nesting In China, Japan, 

 and Southern Siberia is not conclusive. In Africa It 

 appears to breed in suitable localities throughout the 

 continent up to considerable elevations (Abyssinia, 9000 

 feet), and possibly also in Madagascar. 



Breeding habits : The Purple Heron reaches Its 

 European breeding haunts during March and April. It 

 is not such a gregarious bird as the other species in this 

 family previously described, and appears either to breed 

 In very small colonies or In scattered pairs In the 

 colonies of Its relations. It is somewhat skulking In its 

 habits. Of its pairing habits nothing appears to be 

 known, but the bird probably mates for life like its 

 allies. Its choice of a breeding ground is varied. In 

 some localities the flooded forests of willow and alder 

 and other trees are preferred ; In others dense reed beds 

 are the attraction. When In a tree the nest Is large and 

 flat, and made of sticks, as it also is in some cases when 

 built on crushed and broken reeds, as was remarked by 

 Mr. Oates In Burma, who states that he found large 

 colonies of this Heron. When amongst reeds It Is 

 generally supported on a bunch of these plants which 

 have been crushed down into a kind of platform, and is 

 composed of broken pieces of reed and other aquatic 

 vegetation. When flushed from the nests the actions 

 of this bird resemble those of allied species already 

 described. 



Range of egg colouration and measurement : 

 The eggs of the Purple Heron are from three to five in 

 number, generally three. They are chalky In texture, 

 unpolished, and greenish-blue. Average measurement, 

 2-2 inches in length, by v6 inch in breadth. The dura- 

 tion of the period of incubation is unknown. Whether 

 the male takes any share in the duty appears not to 

 have been determined. 



