188 HERON. 



the bill, which generally measures six or seven inches. 

 The plumage is white. The quill-feathers of the wings, 

 and the orbits of the eyes, are black. The bill, legs, and 

 skin, are of a blood-red colour. 



Heron. The mode in which this bird takes his prey 

 is, generally, to wade as far as he is able into the water, 

 and there patiently to wait for the passing of a fish or a 

 reptile ; and the moment this is within reach, he strikes 

 at it with so unerring an aim, that it seldom escapes. 

 It is always more puzzled with an eel than any other 

 prey, as the writhing of this agile fish renders it no easy 

 matter for the Heron to get the |head into a position to 

 be passed down the throat. And it is a well-ascertained 

 fact, that when this has been done, the fish has (from the 

 shortness of the intestines of the Heron) sometimes made 

 its escape at the other extremity. These birds will occa- 

 sionally stand, for several successive hours, perched mo- 

 tionless upon a stone or rock, by the side of the water, 

 in patient expectation of prey passing near their station. 

 And so voracious are they, that they are said to commit 

 greater devastation in a week, than an otter would in a 

 month. Herons are never seen in flocks, except during 

 the breeding-season. They construct their nests in trees, 

 or on lofty cliffs. In t these nests, which are chiefly com- 

 posed of sticks, rushes, and grass, they lay five or six 

 large pale-green eggs. 



The length of this bird is somewhat more than three 

 feet, exclusive of the bill, which is about six inches long, 

 and is of a dusky colour. At the back of the head there 

 is a long, pendent crest ; the plumage is of a blue gray 

 colour, and there is, in front of the neck, a double row of 

 black spots. Herons are found in all the four quarters of 

 the world. 



