74 Lirds of Canada. 
Ardetta exilis—The Least Bittern. 
This bird is a frequent summer visitor to the 
marsh, east of Toronto. It is solitary and noc- 
turnal in its habits. Nests, in low bushes on the 
borders of ponds or marshes ; eggs, four in num- 
ber, of a greenish-yellow color. Feeds upon 
small reptiles and fish. General color, dark- 
green, above, and purplish-brown on the sides 
and underneath. Length, thirteen inches; wing, 
four and a-half inches. 
GREAT BITTERN. 
Botaurus lentiginosus.—The Great Bittern, 
or Stake-driver. 
The Great Bittern, arrives in Canada about the 
middle of April, and remains until late in Octo- 
