NANKEEN NIGHT HERON.— A^rticorox Cakdonicun. 



The nest of the Bittern is placed on the gi'ound near water, and concealed among the 

 rank vegetation that is found in such localities. It is made of sticks and reeds, and 

 generally contains about four or five pale brown eggs. The voice of tlie Bittern varies 

 with the season of year. Usually it is a sharp harsh cry uttered on rising, but in the 

 breeding season the bird utters a loud booming cry that can be heard at a great distance. 



The general colour of this iine bird is rich brownish buff, covered with iiTegular 

 streaks and mottlings of black, dark brown, gi'ey, and chestnut. Tlie top of the head is 

 black with a gloss of bronze, the cheeks are buff, and the chin white tinged with buff 

 Down the front of the neck the feathers are marked with bold longitudinal dashes of 

 blackisli and reddish brown, and the feathers of the breast are dark brown broadly edged 

 with buff. The under surface of the body is buff" streaked with brown, the beak is 

 greenish yellow, and the feet and legs are gi'cen. In total length the Bittern measures 

 about thirty inches. Several species of herons have been seen in England, nine being 

 mentioned by Yarrell, including one species of Egret, two Bitterns, and a Niglit Heron. 



The Night Herons derive their name from their noctxirnal habits. One of these, the 

 Common Night Heron [Nyctkorax Europceus), has several times been found in England ; 

 though its usual residence is on the continents of Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. 

 In North America it is common, and an admirable description of its habits may be found 

 in the works of "Wilson and Audubon. 



The Nankeen Night Herox is a native of Australia, and is thus described by 

 Mr. Gould. 



" This beautifid species is universally dispersed over the continent of Australia, but is 



