36 ELEMENTS OF ORNITHOLOGY. 
Wading Birds, the great majority of which are strange to the 
British Isles. But one handsome long-legged Bird, which wades 
in ponds and rivers to catch fish with its long sharp beak, is a 
sufficiently familiar object to many Englishmen. We refer to 
the Heron (Ardea cinerea), which may serve as a type of many 
“Fig. 35. 

The Common Bittern (Botaurus stellaris). 
closely similar Birds, found all over the world save its coldest 
regions. The Heron is a very attractive object, as it may be 
seen fishing in some pond or perched on the branch of a tree 
overhanging the water, or flying, somewhat slowly, flapping its 
broad wings, with head brought back, resting on its shoulders, 
and its long legs trailing behind it. It is a great frequenter of 
