HERONS AND EGRETS 237 



HERONS AND EGRETS 



The true Herons (Family Ardeidce) are represented in 

 South Africa by four species, the first of which is the huge 

 Goliath Heron (Ardea goliath), with a length of over four 

 feet. Upper parts slate colour except the top of the head 

 and neck, which are ruddy-brown. Below, chin and throat 

 white, a black line down the front of the lower half of the 

 neck ; lower feathers lengthened to form a sort of " apron " ; 

 rest of under-surface maroon. Length, 53 inches. 



It is evenly distributed over the sub-continent, being 

 inland perhaps commonest at Potchefstroom. There is a 

 fine mounted example with nest and three eggs in the 

 Pretoria Museum, obtained by C. B. Horsbrugh on the 

 Modder River, Orange Free State. The nest is usually 

 a platform of sticks, reeds, and sedge, placed on the weeds 

 in a marsh of vlei, or in the branches of a tree overhanging 

 water. The eggs are clear pale blue, and oval in shape. 

 The Goliath Heron is found singly or in pairs, usually at 

 the mouths of rivers. It feeds largely on fish. 



The Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) is pearly-slate above and 

 along the sides of the body ; top of head, neck, centre of 

 breast and belly white ; lower front of neck with black 

 patches ; on either side of the breast a series of pendent 

 purplish-black feathers. Length, 40 to 41 inches. 



This bird is found over almost the whole of the Old World, 

 and throughout the African Continent. Like all the Herons, 

 it is found singly or in pairs, and may be seen standing on 

 the bank of a dam or stream sunning itself or watching for 

 fish and frogs. It also feeds on reptiles and insects. It 

 nests in much the same localities as the Goliath, and the 

 eggs are pale blue. Roberts found fresh eggs in September. 



The Black-headed Heron (Ardea melanoce / phala) has the 

 top of the head (which is crested), ear coverts, back of neck, 



