118 



extending 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, &c. 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. 



HEEON, SQUACCO. 



AEDEA RALLOIDES, Flem.^ 



The native locality of the Squacco Heron appears 

 to be in the south-western parts of Asia, in 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. 



