SPARROW HAWK AND HERON 



59 



Site of Nest. — Trees and large bushes, also on rocks and sea cliffs. 

 Materials Used. — Twigs and sticks. Often takes possession of the 



deserted nest of a Jay or Crow. 

 Eggs. — Five. Whitish, handsomely blotched at the larger end with 



reddish-brown. Sometimes the markings are distributed over 



almost the whole surface. 

 Food. — Moles, mice, birds, beetles, cockchafers, slugs, etc. 

 Voice. — A harsh, screaming call, representing the word " mew." 

 Chief Features. — A bold bird of prey, always worth observing. 



Glides through the air, then free-wheels, as it were, and hovers. 



It dashes after its prey with great rapidity. 

 Plumage. — Above the colouring is dark bluish-grey, with a spot of 



white on the nape; underneath reddish-white, with transverse 



bars of deep brown; grey tail, barred with brownish-black; 



blue beak; yellow cere, hides, and feet. In the female the 



upper parts are brown, passing into blackish-grey; underneath 



greyish-white, with dark-grey bars. Length. — The male is 



twelve inches, female three inches more, j 



HERON (Ardea cinerea) 



Local Names. — Hanser, Harnsea, Hearinsew, Hegrilskip, Hern, 

 Heronshaw, Heronswegh, Jack Hern, Kate Hern, Long-Necked 

 Heron, Moll Hern. 



Haunt. — Woods, marshes, saltings, sea cliffs, 

 and rivers. 



Nesting Period. — March onwards. 



Site of Nest. — Tall trees and sea cliffs. 



Materials Used. — Sticks and twigs. 



Eggs. — Three or Four. Dull greenish-blue. 



Food. — Fish (especially eels), reptiles, water- 

 voles, snails, and insects. 



Voice. — A harsh, powerful cry, resembling 

 the scream of the Peacock. 



Chief Features. — Mostly nests in companies, 

 called Heronries, but sometimes a single 

 nest is quite isolated. At all times an interesting bird to 

 watch. A splendid fisherman, being largely aided by long legs, 

 wide wings, and dagger-like beak. A fine bird when well on the 

 wing, the head and neck being held well forward, and the long 

 legs straight out behind. A feature of the bird life of Broadland. 



Plumage. — Bluish-black crest; slate-grey above; white forehead, 

 cheeks, and neck, with streaks of bluish-grey, terminating with 

 long white feathers, on the latter; greyish-white underneath; 

 yellow bill. Length. — Thirty-six inches. 



Fig. 



Head of Heron. 



