634 Mr. M. J. Nicoll — Contributions 



Herons. In September 1908 I saw a single example near 

 the Giza Pyramids. 



171. Ardea bubulcus. 

 Ardeola russata Shelley, p. 268. 



The BufF-backed Heron — the " Sacred Ibis " of tourists, 

 according to their dragomans — is now becoming much less 

 abundant than it formerly was. Owing to the high price 

 paid for its " plumes " and the snowy whiteness of its feathers 

 this bird falls a victim to the multitude of "sportsmen" 

 with which Egypt teems. Every autumn during the flooding 

 of the country by the Nile this bird appears, but in con- 

 stantly decreasing numbers. There is little doubt that it 

 would, if spared, do an immense amount of good in clearing 

 off the " cotton worm " ; but its appearance is at once a signal 

 for its destruction, and this is greatly facilitated by its tame 

 and unsuspicious character, so that it seems likely that in 

 the near future this handsome and useful Heron will become 

 a rare bird in Egypt. Those interested in this subject are 

 referred to an article by Dr. Walter F. Innes Bey which 

 appeared in the ' Egyptian Gazette ' for the 5th and 6th of 

 January, 1903. 



172. Ardetta minuta. 

 Botaurus minutus Shelley, p. 271. 



Owing to its retiring habits the Little Bittern is not often 

 met with, though it occurs in all suitable localities and 

 breeds in Egypt. I have frequently seen examples offered 

 for sale alive to these Gardens which have been caught 

 locally ; but although I have observed many in other parts 

 of Egypt I have only once met with this bird alive in this 

 Province, an adult male having been seen in the Zoological 

 Gardens on April 26th, 1909. 



173. Nycticorax griseus. 

 Nycticorax griseus Shelley, p. 270. 



For the occurrence of the Night-Heron in the Giza 

 Province see Special Report, No. 3. — '' Wild Birds of 

 the Giza Gardens, 1898-1908/' Cairo National Printing 

 Departm., 1908. 



