The Behavior of the Least Bittern 



429 



described above. Let us assume that the disturbance has come from within 

 the bUnd, and that we now step out into full view and approach the nest. She 

 evidently realizes that she is seen and, instead of leaving the nest or attempting 

 concealment by the 'rotating-reed posture,' she assumes a third posture, 

 which would strike awe into any animal less fool-hardy than a naturalist. 

 Her neck short- 

 ens, drawing her 

 head back to her 

 shoulders, her 

 wings spread, 

 every feather 

 on her bod}- 

 stands on end, 

 increasing her 

 size three- or 

 four - fold. Her 

 javelin-like bill 

 points threaten- 

 ingly, and her 

 glittering yellow 

 eyes sight along 

 it in a most sav- 

 age manner. Let 

 one's hand ap- 

 proach within 

 striking distance 

 and, like a flash, 

 the needle point 

 is driven into his 

 flesh and with- 

 drawn again 

 almost before his 

 eye perceives 

 any movement 

 on the part of 

 the bird. Such 



fierce devotion to duty one scarcely expects from one of the timid Heron family. 

 Thus far we have been discussing the behavior of the female bird. But 

 what we have described applies also to the male, though in a lesser degree, in 

 demonstrations of courage and devotion. He seemed to share the duties of 

 incubation equally with the female, although I could not determine that they 

 followed any regular schedule in changing places. While the female was 

 incubating, the male could often be heard calling. His notes were guttural and 



THE FEMALE LEAST BITTERX ASSUMING THE 'ROTATING- 

 REED POSTURE' ON THE BACK OF THE NEST 



