ay 117 
HERON, NIGHT. 
NycTicoRAxX ARDEOLA, Yemm. 
The Night Heron is of a more robust form than 
the Bittern, to which, however, it is nearly allied. 
All the species of this family feed occasionally, if 
not habitually, by night; and although the one at 
present under consideration has been distinguished 
in this respect from the rest, it is no more a noc- 
turnal prowler than the Bittern or Common Heron. 
It frequents the margins of lakes, pools, and rivers, 
preferring those which are plentifully furnished 
with reeds, sedges, and other aquatic plants. It 
feeds on reptiles, fishes, worms, &e. Although it 
is of rare occurrence in this country, it is ex- 
tensively distributed not only in many parts of 
America, Asia, and Africa, but also in Europe; 
being found, among other places, in Holland, where 
it breeds plentifully, making its nest on the ground 
or on trees or bushes, and laying three or four pale 
blue eggs. 
HERON, PUR PDE. 
AFRICAN HERON. 
ARDEA PURPUREA, Lin. 
This species is very extensively distributed, not 
only in Asia and Africa, but also in Europe, ex-. 
