117 

 HERON, NIGHT. 



NYCTICOEAX AEDEOLA, Temm. 



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, &c. 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, PURPLE. 



AFRICAN HERON. 



AEDEA PUEPUEEA, Lin. 



The Purple Heron is very extensively distributed, 

 not only in Asia and Africa, but also in Europe? 



