Descriptive List of the Common Birds 



A large white egret with the bill black is one 

 of these species. (Illus. B. D., p. 240.) 



224. Ardeola grayi : The Pond Heron. 

 This is the ubiquitous Paddy Bird. (F. 1565), 



(J. 930), (+IV.) 



This bird, which may be seen squatting at 

 the margin of every tank and every village 

 pond, looks greenish brown— much the colour 

 of its muddy surroundings. But startle it and 

 it opens out milk-white wings on which it flies 

 away with steady flappings. It is impossible 

 to mistake a paddy bird. It sits all brown and 

 flies all white. Close inspection shows that 

 every feather has the shaft of a colour different 

 from the web. (Illus. B. D., p. 236; also 

 B. P., p. 114; alsoB. P., p. 178.) 



225. Nycticorax griseus : The Night Heron. 



(F. 1568); (J. 937). (V.) 



A large dusky-coloured bird which is seen flap- 

 ping its way along about sunset with loud raucous 

 cries that sound like " wdk " is the night heron. 



The head, nape, back, and shoulders are 

 black. Forehead, cheek, breast, and lower parts 

 white. Remainder of plumage ashy grey. Eyes 

 bright red. Some of the feathers of the back of 

 the neck are white and are lengthened to form 

 plumes. (Illus. B. D., pp. 232 and 238.) 

 223 



