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tending northwards as far as Holland, where it.is 
not uncommon. It has also several times been 
obtained in England, where, however, it ranks only 
as an accidental straggler. It feeds on frogs, 
insects, and sometimes mice, young birds, &e. It 
builds its nest on trees or bushes, and occasionally 
on the ground, laying three or four broad eggs, 
about two inches in length, and of a pale greenish 
blue colour. This variety of the Heron species 
has a sedate and slow, but not heavy flight, and is 
generally shy and suspicious. 
HERON, SQUACCO. 
ARDEA RALLOIDES, Flem. 
The native locality of the Squacco Heron appears 
to be in the south-western parts of Asia, im Egypt, 
and in Nubia. It has been found in the countries 
bordering on the Caspian Sea, also in Italy, and 
occasionally in the middle of France. It has also 
been seen several times in the southern counties 
of England. One of several specimens obtained on 
the coast of Norfolk, was caught alive, having en- 
tangled itself in some fishing-nets hung out to dry. 
It inhabits the banks of stagnant waters, mo- 
rasses, the sides of rivers, and low lands near the 
sea-shore, and feeds on small fish, crustacea, and 
insects. It builds its nest in swampy situations, 
and occasionally on trees. The eggs are of a light 
blue colour. 
