60 BIRDS OF SOUTH DAKOTA 
191. Least Birrern (Ixobrychus exilis.) 
This Bittern is a summer resident and nests in the east- 
ern part of the State. It resembles the Heron in shape, but is 
very small, measuring only about twelve and one half inches 
from tip of bill to end of tail. When standing erect it is not over 
nine or ten inches high. These birds live in marshy places 
among high reeds and rushes. They are usually seen perched 
on perpendicular reeds where they evade detection by their pro- 
tective coloration. They are slightly crested. Male: crown and 
back black; neck and under parts buff streaked with some white. 
Female: similar, with crown and back brownish. 
194. Great BLuE Heron (Ardea herodias herodias.) 
The Great Blue Heron is erroneously called “Blue Crane’ 
by many, probably because it is bluish and has a long neck and 
legs. They are common over the State. Individuals may be 
seen feeding or resting along river bank and lake shores. Rarely 
are two seen together. In August, 1914, however, nine were 
observed in a small “waterhole” near the Missouri River in Sully 
County, making their breakfast of minnows. Yet when flushed 
they took flight separately, going in different directions. The 
Great Blue Heron stands about three feet high and has a very 
small body in proportion to the length of its legs and neck. 
Crown white with black crest feathers; neck and body bluish 
gray; under parts light. They nest in colonies in trees. 
201. GREEN Heron (Butorides virescens virescens.) 
The smallest of the Herons and a summer resident in 
South Dakota. Crown dark green, crested; neck and breast 
chestnut brown; under parts ashy; back green mixed with brown 
and gray. The nest is usually built over water in high rushes, 
but sometimes in bushes near water. 
202. BLACK-CROWNED NicHT HERon (Nycticorax nycticorax 
nacvius.) 
A common resident over the State in summer, nesting 
in colonies in trees; much smaller than No. 194. Forehead white; 
crown and back dark glossy green; two or three long’ white 
feathers on head except during the molting period; wings and 
tail gray; neck, breast and belly light. The young are a uni- 
form buff and brown. 
