Gulf foast, where they place their nests, whicii 

 are platforms of sticks, in trees and bushes over 

 the water. They lay three eggs which are white, 

 and have a rough surface. Size 2.75 x 1.75. 



[189.] Jabihu. Juhiru mycieria. 



This large bird, which is the only true Stork 

 that claims a place in our avifauna, is a native 

 of South and Central America, wandering north, 

 casually to Texas. Their nests are large plat- 

 forms of sticks in very high trees. 



BITTERNS and HERONS 

 Family ARDEIDAE 



Herons and Bitterns are long-legged waders, 

 having straight, pointed bills, and with the head 

 feathered, except for the lores. 



190. Bittern. Bautaurus lentiginosus. 



Range. — United States and southern British 

 provinces, breeding in the northern half of the 

 United States and wintering in the southern por- 

 tion. 



WADING BIRDS 



.y^\ 



.J^^bc* 



Bittern 



J a biru 



Brownish drab 



This species, with its mottled rusty brownish plumage, is one of the best 

 known of the Heron family. It is known locally by a great many names, nearly 

 all of which have reference to the "booming" or "pumping" sound made during 

 the mating season. They build their nests in swampy or marshy places, plac- 

 ing them on the ground, frequently on a tussock, entirely surrounded by water. 

 The nest proper is only a few grasses twisted about to form a lining to the 

 hollow\ They lay from three to five eggs of brownish drab. Size 1.95 x 1.50. 



They do not breed in colonies, generally, but one or two pairs nesting in one 

 marsh. Data. — Worcester, Mass., June 3, 1897. Four eggs laid in a grass lined 

 hollow in middle of a hummock of earth and grass, in middle of marsh. Col- 

 lector. James Jackson. 



119 



